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fS HALIFAX, ON THE FOURTH DAY OF APRtL, 17T6. 



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i I Reprinted in pursuance of a resolution of the General Assembly of North Caroli- 
yP; na, passed at the session of 1830-'31. 



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Yd. 



RAl.ETGH: 

Lawbekce & Lemat, Printers to the State. 



1831. 



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WM 



OF THE PROCEEDIKCS OF 



THE PROVINCIALr CONGRESS 

OF 

NORTH CAROLINA, 

:/ 

HELD AT 

HALIFAX, ON THE FOURTH DAY OF APRIL, 177^. 



PUBUSHED BY AUTHORITY. 

NEWBERN: 

Printed by Jam£s Davis, Printer to the Honourable the House of Assembly. 

MDCCLXXVL 

Reprinted in pursuance of a resolution of the General Assembly of Xorth Carolina, passed sft 

the session of 1830-'31. 

RALEIGH: 

iiAWBEircs & Lehat, Printers to the State^ 
18S1. 



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OF THS PR0VX2JCIAI. COHGIIESS AT HALIFAX. 
NOI>TH CAROLINA. 

At a Congress begun and hi;ld at tlie town of Halifax, in the county of 
'^Tlalifax, the 4th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1776. 
^ . It beint; certified that the following persons were duly elected and re- 
turned for the respective counties and towns, to wit: 

For .dnson county,* Daniel Love, Samuel Spencer, John Crawford, 
James Picket, and John Chikls.' Beaiffartf* Roger Ormond, Thomas Res- 
pis, Jan. and Jotin Cowper. Bladen, Nathaniel Richardson, Thomas Ro- 
beson, Muturan Colvill. James Council, and Thomas Amis. Bertie, John 
Campbell, John Johnston, and Charles Jaycocks. Brimsivick, 

Bn!e, Greca Hill, William Alston, William Person,. 
Thomas Sherrod, and Philemon Hawkins. Craven, James Coor, Lemuel. 
Hatch, John Bryan, William Bryan, and Jacob Blount. Carteret, Wil- 
liam Thompson, Solomon Shepard, and John Backhouse. Currituck,. Samuel 
Jarvis, James White, James Ryan, Gideon Lamb, and Solomon Perkins. 
Chowan, Samuel Johnston, Thomas Benbury, Thomas Jones, John Bap. 
Beasley, and Thomas Hunter. Cumberland, David Smith, Alexander 
McAlister, Farquard Campbell, Thomas Rutherford, and Alexan er Mc- 
Coy. Chalhum, Ambrose R*msay, John I'hompson, Joshua Rosser, Je- 
«hithan Harper, and Elisha Cain. Duplin, Thomas Gray, and William. 
Dickson. iJobbs, Richard Caswell, Abraham Shepherd, George Miller, 
Simon Bright, and William McKinnie. Edgecomb, William Haywood, 
-Duncan I^emon, Elisha Battle, Henry, Irwin, and Nathan Boddie. Gran- 
ville, Thomas Person, John Penn, Memucan Hunt, John Taylor, and 
Charles Eaton. Guilford, Ransome Southerland, William Dent, and 
Ralph Gorrill. Hyde, Rotheas Latham, Joseph Hancock, John Jordan,, 
and Benjamin Parmely. Hertford, Robert Sumner, 

Halifax, John Bradford, James Hogan, David 
Sumner, Joseph John Williams, and Willis Alston. Johnston. Samuel 
S.'.iith, jun. Needham Bryan, jun. and Henry Rains. Mecklenburg, John 
Pfifer, Robert Irwin, and John McNitt Alexander. Martin, William Wil- 
liams, Whitmell Hill, Kenneth McKenzie, Thomas Wiggens, and Ed- 
ward Smythwick. Neiv Hanover.^ John Ashe, John Devane, Samuel 
Ashe, Sampson Mosely, and John Hollingsworth. Northampton, Allen 
Jones, Jeptha Atherton, Drury Gee, Samuel Lockhart, and Howell Ed- 
munds. Onsloio, George Mitchell, Benajah Doty, John Spicer, John 
King, and John Norman. Orange, John Kinchen, James Saunders, John 
Butler, Nathaniel Rochester, and Thomas Burke. Perquimons, Miles 
Harvey,. William Skinner, Thomas Harvey, Charles Blount, and Charles 
Moore. Pasquotank, Thomas Boyd, Joseph Jones, William Cuming, 
Dempsey Burgess, and Henry Abbott. Pitt, John Simpson, Edward Sal- 
tei', and William Robson. Bowan, Griffith Rutherford, and Matthew 
Locke. Surry, Tyrrell, Ar- 

chibald Corrie. Tryon, 

Wake, Joel Lane, John Hinton, John Rand, William Hooper, and Tignal 
Jones. Town of Bath, William Brown. Edenton, Joseph Hewes. 
Newbern, Abner Nash. Wilmington^ Cornelius Harnett. Brunswick, 



V* 



Halifax^ Willie Jones. Ilillaboroui^h, Williasn .li'lin- 
ston. Salisbury, David Nisbet. Campbleton, Arthur Council. 

Pursuant to which the following persons appeared, subscribed the Tv:' . 
and took their seats in Congress; 

Mess. Samuel Johnston, William Haywood, Elisha Battle, Henry li- 
win, Edward Salter, William Robson, John liradford, James Hogaii, Da- 
vid Sumner, Joseph John Williams, Willis Alston, Allen Jones, Drury 
Gee, John Hinton, John Rand, TlnomasRespis, jun. John Cowper, William 
Brown, George Mitchell, John King, John Norman, John Spicer, Josepli 
Ha- -cock, John Jordan, Solomon Shepherd, William Thompson, Thomas 
Person, Memucan Hunt, John Taylor, Miles Harvey, William Skinner, 
Samuel Jarvis, James W^hite, James Ryan, Solomon Perkins, Thomas 
Benbury, Thomas Jones, John Thompson, John Devane, James Coor, John 
Bryan, Jacob Blount, Tliomas Gray, Matthew Locke, Griffith Ruther- 
ford, John Pfifer, Robert Irwin, John McNitt Alexandei-, William Per- 
son, Green Hill, Thomas Boyd, William Williams, James Council, Phile- 
mon Hawkins, William Alston, John Campbell, Nathaniel Richardson and 
Arthur Council. 

Mr. Allen Jones proposed for President Samuel Johnston, Esq. who wn-. 
unanimously chosen, and conducted to the Chair, and James Green, jun. 
was appointed Secretary, Francis Lynaugh and Evan Swann Doorkeepers, 
during the continuance of the Congress. 

Mr. Bradford presented a petition from the inhabitants of the town of 
Halifax, setting forth that Willie Jones, Esq. who was elected a delegate 
for said town, is appointed by the Continental Congress Surcrintendent of 
Indian Affairs for the Southern Department, in consequence of which ap- 
pointment he had gone to Fort Charlotte, in Georgia, whereby the said 
town was unrepresented, praying leave to elect a delegate to sit and vote 
in Congress in the absence of the said Willie Jones, Esq. Resolved, That 
the freeholders of the said town of Halifax meet on the 5th day of tliis in- 
stant, and elect a proper person to sit and vote in Congress until the re- 
turn of the said Willie Jones, Esq. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, ten o'clock. 

Friday, April 5, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Resolved,) That Col. Nicholas Long take into his possession the powder 
and other stores lately arrived from Philadelphia, and safely keep the same 
until further orders. 

The returning officer for the town of Halifax having certified that Mr. 
John W^ebb was duly elected a delegate for the said town until the returi\ 
of Willie Jones, Esq. Mr. Webb appeared, subscribed the Test, and took 
his seat in Congress. 

On motion, Resolved, That Mr. \llcn Jones, Mr. Cornelius Harnett, 
Mr. James Coor, Mr. Thomas Person, Mr. Thomas Benbury, Mr. Tho- 
mas Respis, Mr. Samuel Jarvis, Mr. Green Hill, Mr. Arthur Council, Mr. 
Matthew Locke, Mr. Griffith Ruth.'rford, and Mr. John Hinton, be a com- 
mittee to enquire into, and make report to this Congress, of the quantity 
©f ammunition now remaining in the Province. 

On petition of William Alston, setting forth that a certain John Hen^gr- 



son is no\v about to remove himself out of this Provmcc, to the great prc^ 
juclicc of the orphans oi' JSolomoii Alston, deceased, the same being certi- 
fied on oath, Jhsolvc-.l, That such of tiie estate of Solomon Alston, late of 
(tranville county, deceased, being the property of his orphans now in the 
possession of John Henderson, or any other persons, be immediately taken 
into possession for their use; and that the said John Henderson be brought 
forthwith to this Congress, there to answer any deficiency that may appear, 
and reimburse the said orphans; and that James Jones, of Wake county, 
be appointed to execute this resolution in any part of the Province, and. 
that he take with him such assistance as he shall think necessary. 

Resolved^ That General McDonald be admitted to his parole upon the 
following conditions: That he does not go without the limits of the town of 
Halifax. That he does not, directly or indirecth', while a prisoner, cor- 
respond with any person or persons wl o are or may be in opposition to A- 
mcrican measures, or by any manner or means convey to them intelligence 
of any sort. That he take no draft, nor procure them to be taken by any 
one else, of anyplace or places in which he maybe, while upon his pai'ole, 
that shall now, or may hereafter give inlormation to our enemies which can 
be injurious to us, or the common cause of America; but that without e- 
quivocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation, he pay the most exact 
and faithful attention to the intent and meaning of these conditions, ac- 
cording to the rules and regulations of war; and that he every day appear 
between the hours of ten and twelve o'clock to the officer of the Guard. 

The Congress adjourned 'till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

Saturday, April 6, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Mr. President laid before the Consress letters from the delegates of this 
Province in Congress at Philadelphia, of the 12th of February and 1st of 
March last, enclosing sundry resolutions of the Continental Congress, 
which were read. 

Ordered, That the same lie over for consideration till Monday next. 

Mr. President laid before the Congress a letter from Col. James Moore, 
of the first regiment, inclosing a general field return of officers and soldiers 
in camp, and also a return of the Tories' property in his possession. 

Ordered, That the sam.e lie for consideration. 

On motion, Mr. James Glasgow was appointed assistant Secretary to this 
Congress. 

Resolved, That Mr. David Love, John Cooper, James Council, John 
Johnston, William Person, James Coor, Solomon Shepherd, Solomon Per- 
kins, Thomas Benbury, David Smith, John Thompson, Thomas Gray, Eli- 
sha Battle, Memucan Hunt, Joseph Hancock, Robert Sumner, Willis Als- 
ton, Whitmill Hill, Robjtiit-lrwin, John Hollingsworth, Jeptha Atherton, 
John Norman^'^homas Burke, William Skinner, Thomas Boyd, Edward 
Salter, Griffith Rutherfurd, Archibald Corrie, John Rand, William Brown, 
Cornelius Harnett, John Webb and David Nisbetbe a committee of Privi- 
leges and Elections; and that they have power to send for persons, papers 
and records, as the case may require, and make report to this Congress. 

Resolved, That Matthew Locke, Robert Irwin, John McNitt Alexander, 
Thomas Person, Thomas Burke, John Taylor, John Ashe, Thomas Gray/ 



G, orj^e Mitchell, John Cowper, AV'illiam Bidwh, Jamos Coor, AVilliaiji' 
Haywood, John Bradford, Green Hdl, Whitmill Hill, Miles Harvey, Wil- 
liam Skinner and ^ohn Campbell be a committee of Claims, to settle and 
How military and naval accounts. 
Resolved^ That Mr. Allen Jones, Joseph John Williams, David Summer, 
.laco!) Blount, Thomas Respiss, William Thompson, Thomas Iknbury, 
Archibald Corrie, Robert Sumner^ Cornelius Harnett, John Spicer, Na- 
thaniel Richardson, Memucan Hunt, Nathaniel Rochester, John Rand, 
Griffith Rutherfurd, John Pfifer, David Nisbet and John Ashe be a com- 
mittee to settle the civil accounts of this Province. 

The Congress adjourned till Monday morning, ten o'clock.^ 

Monday, April 8, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

On motion. Resolved. That Mr. Harnett, Mr. Allen Jones, ISIp. Burke, 
Mr. Nash, Mr. Kinchin, Mr. Thomas Person and Mr. Thomas Jones be a 
select committee to take into consideration the usurpations and violences 
attempted and committed by the Iving and Parliament of Britain against 
America, and the further measures to be taken for frustrating the same, 
and for the better defence of tliis Province. 

Mr. Harnett presented the petition of Joseph Wood and partners, prav- 
ijigan oi-der to dispose of the eftects of ids Excellency Josiali Martin, Es(|. 
within this Province, to reimburse the loss they have sustained by the cap- 
ture and detention of the sloop Joseph, and the cargo on board of the same, 
or such other relief as this Congress in their wisdom shall think fit. 

Resolved, That Mr. Harnett, Mr. Allen Jones, Mr. Burke, Mr. Thomas 
Person and Mr. Thomas Jones be a commiitee to take under consideration 
the said petition, and make report to this Congress. 

Resolved, That Mr. Allen Jones, Mr. Whitmill Hill, Mr. John Ashe, 
Mr. Burke, Mr. Miles Harvey, Mr. Thomas Ferson, Mr. Benburv, Mr. 
Rand, Mr. Rochester, Thomtas Jones, Mr. Rutherfurd, Mr. Southerland, 
Mr. Richardson, Mr. Harnett and Mr. Arthur Council be a committee to 
enquire into the conduct of the insurgents and other suspected persons, 
and make report of their proceedings to the Congress. 

The order of the day being read, Resolved, The same be deferred till 
W'ednesday next. 

Mr. Thomas Jones presented a petition from the executors of the last 
will and testament of John Callaway, deceased, praying an order may is- 
sue to impower them to seize so much of the estate of Thomas Macknight, 
and cause the same to be sold, as may be of value sufficient to satisfy the 
sum of 5861. 2s. with interest and accruing costs. Resolved, That Mess. 
Harnett, Allen Jones, Thomas Burke, Thomas Person and Thomas Jones 
be a committee to take under consideration the said petition, and make re- 
port to this Congress. 

Mr. William Jolmston, the delegate for the town of Hillsborough, Mr. 
James SaunhMs and Mr, John Kinchen, for the countv of Orange, Mr. 
Thomas Wiggins, for the county of Martin. Mr Ransome Southerland, 
Mr. William Dent and Mr. Ralph (rorril, for the county of Guilford, Mr. 
Hempsey Burgess and Mr. Henry Abbot, for the county of Pasquotank, 
Mr. Elisha Cain, for the county of Chatham, Mr. Tignal Jones, for the 



county of Wake, and Mr. Abner Nash, for tiie town of Newbcrn, appear- 
ed, subscribed the test, and took their seats in Congress. 

On motion. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Ford be appointed Chaplain to 
this Congress. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

Tuesday, April 9, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

liesolveds That Mr. Corrie, Mr. Jolm Campbell, Mr. Cowper, Mr. Wil' 
liam Johnston and Mr. Cornelius Harnett be a committee to enquire into 
the cost of sundry merchandize deemed useful to the service of this Pro- 
vice, as per invoice exhibited by Mr. John Wright Stanly, and that they 
report thereon. 

On motion, Resolved, The Congress resolve itself into a committee of 
the whole, to take into consideration the present state of the Province, and 
the expediency of employing a military force for its defence against foreign 
and domestic invaders. The Congress resolved itself into a committee of 
the whole accordingly, and chose John Campbell, Esq. Chairman; and af- 
ter some time spent therein^ came to several resolutions. Then, on motion, 
Mr. President resumed the Chair, and Mr. Chairman reported as follows, 
to wit: 

Resolved, That two battalions, over and above tlie battalion directed to 
be raised by the Continental Congress, be raised in this Province, to con- 
sist of 750 privates each. 

Resolved, Tiiat it be recommended tiiat three companies of Light Horse, 
consisting of one Captain, one Lieutenant, one Cornet, and 33 privates 
each, be raised by this Province, and that it be recommended to the House 
to apply through their Delegates to the Continental Congress to place the 
same on Continental establishment. 

Resolved, That it be recommended to Congress that a bounty of 40s. 
and 31. advance be paid to every person inlisted into the service. 

Resolved, That it be recommcniled that a penalty of 51. be. inflicted on 
any person who shall knowingly secrete, harbour, succour or entertain, for 
the space of 24 hours, any deserter from the service, after having been duly 
inlisted; to be recovered before any jurisdiction having cognizance there- 
of, one half to the informer, the other half to the public. 

The House taking the said report into consideration, and having read the 
same paragraph by paragraph, concurred therewith. 

Mr. Gideon Lamb, one of the members of Congress for Ihe county of 
Currituck, Mr. Kenneth McKenzie, for Martin county, and ]Mr. Matthias 
Brickie, for Hertford county, appeared and took their seats. 

Resolved, That Mr. Abner Nash, Mr. Thomas Burke and Mi-. Corne- 
lius Harnett be a committee to form a proper commission for privateers. 

Resolved, That Mr. John Ashe, Mr. Thomas Jones, Mr. Dempsey Bur- 
gess, Mr. Cornelius Harnett, Mr. Abner Nash, Mr. Samuel Jarvis, Mr. 
John Johnston, Mr. Thomas Burke, Mr. John Kinchen, Mr. Jacob Blount. 
and Mr. Allen Jones be a committee of Ways and Means, to form an esti- 
mate of the expense for supporting the troops to be raised for one year. 

Resolved, That Mess. John Ashe, Allen Jones, James Coor, 'William. 
Alston, Memucan Hunt, Matthew Locke, John Webb, John Pfifer, John 



8 

Spiccr, Mr. R^'an, Mr. GrilTitli Rutherford, Mr. John Caiupbell and Mr. 
John Bradford be u committee for the better regulation of the militia- 

Jiesolved, That Mr. President, Mr. Locke, Mr. Webb, Mr. Thomas 
Jones, Mr. Nash, Mr. John Ashe and Mr. Burke be a committee of Se- 
crecy, Intelligence and Observation. 

Mr. Rutherford, Cliairmau from the committee of Privileges and Elec* 
tions, reported as follows, viz. 

Your committee having taken into consideration the election of those 
Delegates w^ho were appointed to the Minute command, are of opinion, 
that holding commissions in that service did not incapacitate or disqualify 
them from being elected to represent in Congress any town or county in 
this Province, and that persons elected under such circumstances, who 
were otherwise duly qualified, are entitled, and should be permitted to sit 
and vote in Congress, when that service is expired. 

The Congress taking the said report into consideration, was rejected. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrnw morning, nine o'clock. 

Wednesday, April 10, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Mr. Duncan Lemon, a member of Congress for the county of Edgecoml:}^ 
and Mr. Thomas Sherrod, a member of Congress for the county of Bute, 
appeared and took their seats. 

On motion. Ordered, That Mr. John Johnston have leave to absent him- 
self a few days from tlie service of the Congress. 

The returning officer having brought before the Congress the person of 
John Henderson, at the instance of William Alston, Resolved, That Mess. 
Thomas Person, Memucan Hunt, Howell Edmunds, Matthias Brickell, 
Thomas Respiss, Drury Gee and William Williams, be a committee to 
take into consideration the petition of the said William Alston, in behalf 
of Solomon Alston's orphans, and make report thereon. 

Resolved, That the sum of 10s. be allowed to each Captain, Lieutenant, 
or Ensign, for every man which they shall enlist and enroll as a soldier in 
the service (including those already enlisted) as a full compensation for 
their expenses in recruiting their men. 

Resolved, That the freeholders of Northampton county meet at tlie 
Court House of said county on Friday the 22d of this instant (April) then 
and there to elect one delegate to sit and vote in Congress, in the room and 
stead of Mr. Samuel Lockhart, whose seat was vacated by his having act- 
ed as a Captain in the Minute Service. 

Resolved, That the freeliolders of the county of Bertie meet at the Court 
House in said county on Monday the 15th of this instant (April) then and 
there to elect one delegate to sit and vote in Congress, in the room and 
stead of Mr. Charles Jaycocks, whose seat was vacated by his having act- 
ed as an officer in the Minute Service. 

Resolved, That the freeholders of the county of Dobbsmeetat the Court 
House in said county on Monday the 15th of this instant (April) then and 
there to elect three delegates to sit and vote in Congress, in the room and 
stead of Mr. Richard Caswell, Mr. Simon Bright, and Mr. George Miller, 
'ivhose seats were vacated by their appointment as officers in the Continent- 



aj and iMtJi'iic St'ivice; and that Mr. Uenjamin Shepherd be appointed to 
take tiu' poll, and make due ietui?i of the persons su elected. 

T!ie Cungresis being ii.toiiiuti that a certain brigantiiie, culled the Wil- 
liam, now lying in Port lieaiiluit, whereof Philip Westcott is at present 
Master, belonging to ^\iili;llli Strobrook, Francis Burchitt and Philip 
Wcslcott, of London, and it appearing by the Register of the said vessel 
that sl-.e is British property:'fl/ie.so/rC'', That Richard Cogdell, James Da- 
vis and John Green cause toe said brigantine or vessel to be immediately 
seized and detained, together with ber tackle, apparel and furniture, un- 
til further ordeis. 

The Continental Congress having appointed Col. James Moore, of the first 
Regiment, and Co!. Robert Howe, of the second Regiment, to the com- 
mand of Brigadier G(3mvi\h,il Jic-joivcd, Tliat Lieutenant Colonel Fran- 
cis Nash be appointed Colonel, Major Thomas. Clark Lieutenant Colonel, 
and Capt. William Davis Major, of tlie first Regiment; Lieutenant Colo- 
nel Alexander Ma.rtin Colonel, Major John Patten Lieutenant Colonel, 
and Capt. John White Majwr, of the second Regiment. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, njnft qjclock. 

Thursday, April 11, 1776., 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Mr. All£n Jones, Chairman, from the committee to enquire into the 
conduct of the insurgents, and otlier suspected persons, reported, am'^ngst 
other things, that on consideration of the candor of Allen McDonald, and 
his being in a low state of health, recommend him to be admitted his pa- 
role of honour, under such restrictions as has been held forth to General 
McDonald. 

The Congress taking the same into consideration, Resolved, That Col.. 
Allen McDonald be admitted to his parole on the following conditions: 
That he does not go without the limits of the town of Halifax. That he 
does not, directly or indirectly, while a prisoner, correspond with any 
person or persons who are or may be in opposition to American measures, 
or by any manner or means convey to them intelligence of any sort. That 
he take no draft, nor procure them to be taken by any one else, of any 
place or places in which he may be while upon his parole, that shall now, or 
may hereafter give information to our enemies, which can be injurious to 
us, or the common cause of America; but that without eriuivocation, men- 
tal evasion, or secret reservation, he pay the most exact and faithful at- 
tention to the intent and meaning of these conditions, according to the 
rules and regulations of war; and that he every day appear, between the 
hours of ten and twelve o'clock, to the officer of the Guard. 

Mr. Thomas Harvey, one of the members for Perquimons county, and 
Mr. William Dickson, one of the members for Duplin county, appeared, 
subscribed the Test, and took their seats in Congress. 

On motion. Ordered, That the nomination and appointment of military 
officers to the regiments directly to be raised in this Province, be consider- 
ed to-mon-ow. 

Resolved, That Mess. John Campbell, William Tlmmpson, James Coor, 
MAtthev\r Locke, Thomas Person, John Spicer and Solomon Shepherd be a. 



10 

committee to take into consulcnvlion a letter from the committee ol" Cut- 
teret county. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

Friday, April 12, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

The committee to enquire into the cost of'sundrv inert Iiamlizes deem- 
ed useful to the service of this Province, as per invoice exhibited by Mr. 
John Wright Stanly, and to agree with him for the same, reported as fol- 
lows, viz. 

Your committee have examined the invoices of sundry goods imported 
by John Wright Stanly, the cost of which appears to amount to the sum of 
3162 pieces of eight (pieces 868) and two rials, charged at St. Eustatia. on 
which an advance of 75 per cent, for risk and charges appear reasonable^ 
as they were bouglit in barter^ also sundry other goods, by invoice pro- 
duced, amounting to 3934 pieces of eight (pieces 8s8) four rials, and four 
stivers, bought with ready money, on which an advance of 87 and a half 
per cent, for risk and charges, and 20 per cent, for the risk, trouble and 
commission, Mr. Stanly had in the adventure. 

Your committee are further of opinion the 500 lbs. of gunpowder oflVrcd 
by Mr. Stanly at 8 s. per pound, is at this time a reasonable price; which 
several sums amount in tlie whole to 48481. 1 s. 1 d. three farthings, Pro- 
clamation money, which your committee are of opinion maybe allowed and 
paid to Mr. Stanly for the said goods, on account and for the use of the 
public, on delivery of said goods at Newbern in good order, to such per- 
son or persons as the Congress shall appoint to receive them.. Humbly sub- 
mitted to the House. 

The Congress taking the same into consideration, and the said report be- 
ing read, concurred tlierewith. 

The Congress having agreed with Mr. John W" right Stanly, on account 
pf the public, for sundry goods and merchandizes, as per invoice exhibit- 
ed, Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of tiiem.pa'y to John Weight 
Stanly the sum of 48481. Is. Id. three farthings, Proclamation money, 
for sundry goods and merchandizes purchased of him on account and for 
the use of this Province, he first producing a receipt from John Green and 
David Barron that all and every article contained in said invoice are bona 
fide and actually delivered into their possession, in good and merchantable 
order, and that the Treasurers be allowed in their accounts Mith the pub- 
lic. 

On motion. Resolved, That Mr. Jolin Green and Mr. David Parron, of 
Newbern, be requested to receive, and take into their possession, from Mr. 
John Wright Stanly, sundry goods and merchandizes, as per invoice exhi- 
bited, amounting to 48481. Is. Id. three farthings, at the risk and on ac- 
count of the public, till further orders. 

Mr. Harnett, Cliairman from the committee to take into consideration 
the petition of Joseph Wood and co-partners, praying an order to dispose 
of the effects of his Excellency Josiah Martin, Esq. &c. reported as follows, 
to wit: 

Your committee having enquired into the several allegations set forth ia 
tJxe said petition, do report ^s follows: That the said Joseph Wood an^ 



11 

pariiiois, wiiii permission of the cominittee of the City and Liberties of 
Philadelphia, did on the 5th day of January last past, load on board the 
sloop Jos'-'ph, William Raddon master, sundry goods and merchaiuliz.e, on 
their own account, to the. value of 6701. 3s. 7d. on the account of William 
'I'odd, 1901. of Joseph Wood, jun. 101. of William Raddon, 91. 18s. prime 
cost in Philadelphia, all whicli were consigned to the said Joseph Wood, 
jun. and bound to Georgia; that in his passage the said sloop and cargo 
v;ere taken by an armed vessel called the General Gage, George Sybels 
master, and carried into Cape Fear;, where Josiah Martin, Esq. late Go- 
vernor of this Province, bore the chief command; and the officers under 
command of the said Josiah Martin did violently seize the said sloop and 
cargo, and apply them to the use of the enemies of America, whereby the 
said Joseph and pai'tners lost 15001. current money of Pennsylvania, over 
and above the profits they might reasonably have made. 

The House taking the same into consideration, concurred therewith. 

Resolved^ That the inlisting of the Continental or Provincial regular sol- 
diers into the sei'vice of any armed vessel or privateer, is highly improper, 
and greatly injurious to the service; and that all those who have presumed 
to inlist any soldiers, knowing they belong to such service, have acted in a 
manner contrary to the interest of this Colony, and have been guilty of a 
breach of the Continental Rules and Regulations, and are hereby ordered 
to return the soldiers so inlisted to the several corps to which they belong; 
and that if the officer or officers belonging to such armed vessels or priva- 
teers do not immediately restore the soldiers so inlisted by them to the of- 
ficer or officers of their respective corps, that then, and in that case, they 
will be considered as unworthy of any command under this Congress, and 
deemed enemies to American liberty. Provided, that nothing herein con- 
tained shall be construed to extend to such soldiers as had served six 
months from the time of their inlistment. 

The select committee to take into consideration the usurpations and vio- 
lences attempted and committed by the King and Parliament of Britain a- 
gainst America, and the further measures to be taken for frustrating the 
same, and for the better defence of this Province, reported as follows, to 
wit: 

It appears to your committee, that pursuant to the plan concerted by the 
British Ministry for subjugating America, the King and Parliament of 
Great Britain have usurped a power over the persons and properties of the 
people unlimited and uncontrouled; and disregarding their humble peti- 
tions for peace, liberty and safety, have made divers legislative acts, de- 
nouncing war, fiimine, and eveiy species of calamity, against the Conti- 
nent in general. The British fleets and armies have been, and still are 
daily employed in destroying the people, and committing the most horrid 
devastations on the country. That Governors in difterent Colonies have 
declared protection to slaves, who should imbrue their hands in the blood 
of their masters. That the ships belonging to America are declared prizes 
of war, and many of them have been violently seized and confiscated. In 
consequence of all which multitudes of the people have been destroyed, 
ur from easy circumstances reduced to the most lamentable distress. 

And whereas the moderation hitherto manifested by the United Colonies^ 
and their sincere desire to be reconciled to the mother country on constitU" 



lional principles, have piocureil no niiti<ratiou of ihc afon'Saul wrongs and 
Usurpations, a'iid no hopes remain of obtaining redress by tliose means alone 
which have been hitherto triei!, your committee are of opinion that the 
House should enter into the following resolve, to wit: 

Resolved^ That the delegates for this Colony in the Continental Con- 
gress be impowered to concur with the delegates of the other Colonies in 
declaring Independency, and forming foreign alliances, reserving to this 
Colony the sole and exclusive right of forming a Constitution and laws for 
this Colony, and of appointing delegates from time to lime, (under the di- 
rection ;)f a general representation tin?reof,) to meet the delegates of 1^0 
other Colonies, for sucli purposes as shall be hereafter pointed out. 

The Congress taking the same into consideration, unanimously concurred 
(herewith. 

The order of the day being read for taking into consideration the nomi- 
nation and af>pointmen! of military oflicers, Ordered, 'IMiat the same be de- 
ferred till to-morrow, 

Mr. Needham Bryan, one of tlie members of .Johnston coun^', Mr. Jo- 
seph Williams, Mr. Joseph Winston and Mr. Charles Gordon, three of thfe 
members of Surry county, appeared and took tlieir seats. 

The Congress adjourned 'till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

—•••»«©»««— 
Saturday, April 13, 1770. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Ordered, Tliat Col. John Hogan, of the tegiment of militia for the conn 
ty of Oi-ange, have leave to resign his command. 

Resolved, That if any commissioner or commissioners appointed by the 
King, according to act of Parliament, to come over from Great Britain to 
America, shall arrive in this Province, under any pretext whatever, unless 
such commissioner or commissioners shall produce a commission to treat 
with the Continental Congress, that the person or persons of such commis- 
sioner or commissioners shall be required to return immediately on board 
the vessel in which he or they arrive; and in case of refusal, or if such 
commissioner or commissioners shall at any time after be found on shore 
witliiii this Province, the person or persons of such commissioners be seiz- 
ed, and immediately sent to the««aid Congress. 

Resolve' I, Th.it the thanks of this Congress be given to Col. Richard 
Caswell, and the brave officers and soldiers under his command, for the 
very essential service by them rendered this country at the battle of 
Moore's Creek. 

On mntion, Resolved, The Congress resolve itself into a committee of 
the whole, to take under consideration the augmentation of the troops al- 
ready voted to be raised by this Province. 

The Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole accordingly, 
and chose John Campbell, Esq. Chairman: and after some time spent 
therein, came to a resolution thereon. Then, on motion, Mr. President 
resumed the Chair, and Mr. Chairman reported as follows, to wit: 

Resolved, That th'> troops voted by the Congress, as necessary to the 
defence of this Province, shall be divided in<^o six battalions (including the 
two battalions voted by the last Congress) each battalion to be command- 
ed by one Colonel, one Lieutenant Colonel, and one Majorj and to coh- 



Jiisit ot eight coiiipauies, each company to consist of one Captain, two Lieu- 
tenants, one Ensign, four Serjeai.ts, four Corporals, two Drummers, one 
Fifer, and 76 rank and file; also one Quarter Master, one Coirmissary of*^ 
Stores, one Surgeon, one Adjutant, one Quarter Master Serjeant, one 
Drum Major, one Serjeant Major, and one Waggon Master for each batta- 
lion- 

The Congress taking the same into consideration-, concurred therewitli. 

The committee appointed to take into consideration the petition of Wil- 
liam Alston, referred by the Congress, reported as follows, to vvi 



Your committee having enquired into the several alleo-ations sWforth in 



» 



It: 



the said petition, together with the defence of the defendant, and every 
pregnant circumstance relative thereto, do report as follows: They find 
that about August, 1775, the said William Alston, in behalf ot the orphans 
of Solomon Alston, deceased, in the said petition mentioned, obtained un- 
der the signature of Josiah Martin, Esq. Governor, &c. of North Carolina, 
a writof iVe Exeat Rcgyio^ against John Henderson (who intermarried with 
Sarah, M'idow of the said Solomon) for mal practices in his administration 
of the said deceased's estate, which said writ of Ne Exeat Regno your com- 
mittee find to be unduly and ineiVectually executed; and further' they find 
that the sum of 1G201. Proc. money, bequeathed to two of the orphans, to 
v'it: Lemuel and Henry, in the said petition mentioned, hath been impro- 
perly applied by the said Henderson, or at least not according to the ex- 
press devise of the said Solomon. Your committee therefore are of opi- 
nion (exploding altogether the proceedings on the writ of Ne Exeat Regno) 
that the said Henderson be held to sufficient security for his not removing 
any part of the said deceased's v state out of the Province, or in default 
thereof, that the whole of said estate be put and placed in the hands and 
possession of the other two executors of the said Solomon, to wit: Joseph 
John Williams and William Alston, for the use and emolument of the or- 
phans, to v/it: Charity, Lemuel and Henry. Your committee further con- 
ceive that the intention of the testator, respecting the tuition of his children, 
is in some measure defeated by the intermarriage of his widow with the 
said Henderson; we iherefore submit to the consideration of the House, 
whether it may not be expedient to place the said orphans under the care 
of some other person, so that their education and bringing up may be suit- 
able to their rank and fortune. 

The House taking the same Into consideration, concurred thei'ewith. 

The returning officer having certified that Mr. Eaton Haynes v/as duly 
elected one of the d'&logates for the county of Northampton, in the room 
and stead of Mr. Samuel Lockhart, whose seat was vacated by his having 
a command in the Minute Service, appeared and took his seat. 

Mr. Ambrose Ramsay, of Chatham, one of the delegates, Mr. Samuel 
Spencer, for Anson county, and Mr. John Childs, of the same county, ap- 
peared, subscribed the Test, and took their seats in Congress. 

On motion, Ordered^ That Alexander McDonald (son of Allen McDon- 
ald) be permitted to his parole, under the same restrictions as those alrea- 
dy enlarged. 

On motion. Ordered, That Mr. John Hunt be appointed an Assistant 
Clerk to this Congress. 

Jiesolved, That Mr. President, Mr, Nash, Mr. Harnett, Mr, Thomap 



14 

-Jones, Mr. Green Hill, Mr. Burke, Mr. Allen Jones, Mr. Locke^ Mr. 
Blount, Mr. Rand, Mr. John Joiinston, Mr. A.slie, Mr. Kiiiclion, Mr. 
pBpencer, Mr. Haywood, Mr. Ilicliardsoii, Mr. Bradford, Mr. Ranisay and 
Mr. Tiioinas Person be a committee to prepare a temporary Civil C;.tibti- 
tution. 

Mr. Abraham Shepherd, one of the delegates for Dobbs county, appear- 
ed and took his seat. 

The order of the day being read for taking into consideration the nomi- 
nation and appointment of military officers, Ordered, That the same be 
deferret|||ill Monday next. 

The Congress adjourned till Monday morningi, nine o'clock. 

Monday, Aprii. 15, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Jiesolved) That the Minute men and Militia battalions and troops, under 
the command of Col. Caswell, remain in their present station until Satur- 
day next, and afterwards have leave to march, under their respective offi- 
cers, into their several counties, and then have leave to disband; the Con- 
gress relj'ing on the gallantry and public spirit of those brave officers and 
soldiers, so far as to rest satisfied that they will not avail themselves of 
this permission, if there be any immediate danger of an attack on that part 
of the Colony where they are now stationed. 

Pursuant to a resolve of the 11th instant, Mr. President presented the 
tkanks of the Congress to Col. Richard Caswell, and the brave officers and 
soldiers under his command, for the very essential service by them render- 
ed this Colony at the late battle ot Moore's Creek* 

The committee to whom was referred the consideration of a letter froni 
the committee of Beaufort, in Carteret county, are of opinion that the situ- 
ation of that town, and the Inlets adjacent, are such, that it appears abso- 
lutely necessary tiiat a considerable military force should be stationed at 
or near the said town, to prevent our enemies from landing there, supplying 
themselves with provisions, and committing liostilities and depredations 
in that part of the Province; and that until further provision is made for 
the defence of tliat county, the comj)any of 50 men now raised by the com- 
mittee of said county be continued for that purpose, so long as the said 
committee shall judge it necessary. 

The committee are also of opinion, that the turpentine now l^'ing at 
Beaufort, belonging to William Gibbs, should be landed at his expense, 
and for his use, at some secure place where it may not fall into the hand^ 
of the enemy; all which is submitted to Congress. 

Ordered, The said report lie for consideration. 

Mr. Lawrence Baker, one of the delegates for Hertford county, appear- 
ed, subscribed the Test, and took his seat in Congress. 

William Hooper and John Penn, Esqrs. delegates of the Continental 
Congress and members of this House, appeared, subscribed the Test, and 
took their seats. 

Bc.solved, That Mr. Hooper, Mr. Penn, Mr. Harnett, Mr. Ashe, Mr. 
Thomas Jones, Mr. Burke an<l Mr. Spencer l)e a committee to take into 
consideration the most practicable and expeditious method of supplying the 
Province with ^ms, ammunition, warlike stores and sulphur; and also the 



15 



expediency of erecting works tor the making of salt petre, gunpowder and 
purifvinu; sulphur. 

On motion, Ordered^ The House take into consideration the state of the 
Sea co.ast to-morrow morning. 

Ordered, That Mr. Hooper and Mr, Penn be added to the committee to 
prepare a temporary Civil C'onstitution. 

The Congress taking into consideration the appointment of the field offi- 
cers to the battalions directed to be raised, Fesolved, That Jethro Sumner, 
Esq. be appointed Colonel, William Alston, Esq. Lieutenant Colonel, and 
Samuel Lockhart, Esq. Major, of the 3d regiment. Thomas Polk, Esq. 
Colonel, James Thackston, Esq. Lieutenant Colonel, and William David- 
son, Esq. Major, of the 4th regiment. Edward Buncombe, Esq. Colonel, 
Henry Irwin, Esq. Lieutenant Colonel, and Levi Dawson, Esq. Major, of 
the 5th regiment. Alexander Lillington, Esq. Colonel, William Taylor, 
Lieutenant Colonel, and Gideon Lamb, Major, of the 6th regiment. And 
Robert Washington, Adjutant of t!\e 3d regiment, William Williams, Ad- 
jutant of the 4th regiment, Henry Darnell, Adjutant of the 5th regiment, 
.;?vnd Bennet Crafton, Adjutant of the 6th regiment 

'J^ie Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

Tuesday, April IS, 1776, 

The Congress met accoiding to adjournment. 

The several districts, bv directions of the Congress, having nominated 
sundry persons as officers to the battalions directed to be raised in this 
Proviiicefthe House taking the same in consideration, Resolved, That the 
persons be. and they are hereby appointed accordingly, to wit 



Halifax. 
William T3rinkly, Captain. 
Isaac Vrivat, 1 Lieut. 
Christopher Lacky, 2 Lieut. 
Williutn l''l!ieri<lge, Ensign. 
Pinkethman Eaton, Captiiin. 
James I?rac1Iy, I Lieut. 
Robert Wasliington, 2 Lieut. 
Josepli Moiitfort, Ensign. 
John Gray, Captain. 
Joseph Clinch, I Lieut. 
Matthew Wood, 2 Lieut. 
Ethehh'ed Dance, Ensign. 
William Barrat, Captain. 
Nicholas Edmunds, 1 Lieut. 
Gee Bradly, 2 Lieut. 
William Linton, Ensign. 
Jacob Turner, Captain. 
Daniel Jones, 1 Lieut. 
Alsop High, 2 Lieut. 
Benjamin iNlorgan, Ensign. 

HltLSBOnOUGH. 

.Philip Taylor, Cay.tain. 
John Kennon, 1 Lieut. 
Dempsey Moore, 2 Lieut. 
Solomon Walker, Ensign. 
Arcliibald Lyttle, Captain. 
Thomas Donoho, 1 Lieut, 
Samuel Tlwrapson, 2 Lieut. 
William Lyttle, Ensign. 
James Emmetl, Captain. 
William Clements, 1 Lieut. 



EUEJTTOJf. 

Peter Simon, Captain, 
Andrew Duke, 1 Lieut. 
Nehemiah Long, 2 Lieut, 
Benjamin Bailey, Ensign. 
JohnPiigh Williams, Captain. 
Thos. Whitmell Pugh,l Lieut, 
.loscph Clayton, 2 Lieut. 
Elisha I'lhodes, Ensign. 
Jerom Maclaine, Captain. 
Jacob I'ollock, 1 Lieut. 
Blour.t Whitmell, 2 Lieut. 
Willimn Knot, Ensign. 
Thomas Granbery, Captain. 
Kedar Ballard, 1 Lieut. 
John Graiibery, 2 Lieut. 
Zephaniah Burj>es, Ensig'i. 
Roger Moore, Captain. 
William Goodman, 1 Lieut. 
Benajah Turner, 2 Lieut. 
Abel Mosslauder, Ensign. 

WiLMINGTOIS". 

John A3he,jun. Captain. 
Charles Hollingsworth, I L't, 
Mark McLamy, 2 Lieut. 
David .1 ones, Ensign. 
John James, Captain. 
Daniel Williams, 1 Lieut. 
John McCan, 2 Lieut. 
Edward Outlaw, Ensign. 



Newberis^. 
Simon Alderson, Captain. 
William Groves, 1 Lieut. 
John Custis, 2 Lieut. 
Jarnes McKinnie, Ensigo. 
John Enloe, Captain. 
George Suggs, 1 Lieut. 
Henry Cannon, 2 Lieut. 
Shadrach Wooten, Ensign. 
William Caswell, Captain, 
Henry Darnell, 1 Lieut. 
John Sitgreaves, 2 Lieut. 
John Bush, Ensign. 
Reading Blount, Captain. 
Benjamin Coleman, 1 Lieut, 
John Allen, 2 Lieut. 
Thomas Blount, Ensign. 
Benjamin Stedman, Captain. 
Robert Turner, 1 Lieut. 
John Eborn, 2 Lieut. 
Charles Stewart, Ensign. 

Salisburt. 
Robert Smith, Captain. 
William Brownfield, 1 Lieut. 
William Caldwell, 2 Lieut. 
Thomas McCIure, Ensign. 
William Temple Cole, Captaui: 
Jame5 Carr, 1 Lieut. 
David Craig, 2 Lieut. 
Joseph Patten, Ensign. 



Griffith John McRee, Captain. Thomas Harris, Captain. 
Francis Child, I Lieut. Thomas Picket, 1 Lieut. 



John Madawa, 2 Lieut. riuistoper GooOing, C Lieut. Jajucfcl-'iirr, 2 Litut. 

John Morpis, Knsi;^ii. Itich-inl Sini^leliii) , Kiisign. James (-'oots. Ensign. 

Jesse Saonitcrs, Cni)f.ain. Cicoi-jve Milcliell, CMptain. Joseph I'iiilips, Cuptain. 

William Glover, 1 Lieut. Amos Love, 1 Lieut. Jsiines Sliepliotd, 1 Lieut, 

Pleasant Henderson, '2 Lieut. Benjamin I'ike, 2 Lieut, Micajali Lewis, '2 Lieut. 

Thomas Gi'ant, I'nsign. Reuben Grant, Ensign. William .VI eriilitli. Ensign, 

William Ward, Captain. Arthur Council, Captain. John Veilsonjt'aptain. 

John Wliiile) , 1 Lieut. Thomas A\!iite, 1 Lieut. William Ueni,juii. I Lieut, 

Willis Pope, '2 Lieut. Thonius Armstrong, '2 Lieut, J:imes Starrat, '2 l..i(Ut. 

John llopson, Ensign. Uennv Porterfield, Ensign. .\iuxander Nelson, Enrjign. 

iJY HIE HOUSE, 

John Baptista Ashe, Captain. Jaoies Cook, Captain. 

George Daughcrty, 1 Lieut. Atlam Hampton, I Lieut. 

Andrew Armstrong, 2 Lieut, John Walker, jun. '2Lii->i*, 

Joshua Hadlj', Ensign. AdaiH .McFaddon, Ensign. 

The Congress taking into consideration the appointinent of olHcers to. 
the companies of Light Horse to be raised in this Province, Resolved^ The 
following persons be appointed accordingly, viz. 

John Dickersoiii Captain, Samuel Ashe, jun. Lieutenant, and Abraham 
Childcrs, Cornet, of the 1st company. Martin Pfifir, Captain, .Tames 
Sumner, Lieutenant, and Valentine Beard, Cornet, of the !^d company. — 
James Jones, Captain, Cosimo Madacy, Lieutenant, and James Armstrong,, 
Cornet, of the 3d company. 

Resolved^ That Mr. Sumner, Mr. Thomas Person, Mr. Rutherford, Mr, 
Ashe and Mr. Nash be a committee to regiment the ditlerent companies to 
be raised. 

Resolved, That the committee of Secrecy, Intelligence and ObservMion, 
already appointed by tliis Congi-ess, shall have full power to send. Tor, and 
enforce the attendance before them of all suspected persons, andlo compel 
the attendance of witnesses, and to procure all such papers as may give in- 
formation with respect to such oifeuders; and that such committee report 
nothing to this House, or to any person, which may tend to defeat the pur- 
pose of this appointments 

Mr. William Cuming, one of the delegates for Pasquotank county, and 
Ml'. Willian\ Murfree, one of the delegates for Hertford couuty, appeared 
and took their seats, 

Ordered^ That Mr. William Cumming and ]Mr. John Johnston be added 
to the committee to take under consideration the petition ef William Als- 
ton, and that the said petition be recommitted for their consideration. 

Mr. President laid before the House a copy of a letter received from the 
committee of Onslow count}-, from John Cruden & Co. of Wilmington, to 
Patrick McLeod, of London, signifying sundry things therein unfriendly 
to the American rights; tlierelore Resolved, Tiiat the said John Cruden be 
immediately sent for, taken into custody, and brought before this House, 
to answer for his conduct; and that the committee of Onslow county be de-. 
sired to send to the Congress the original papers respecting the said John 
Cruden & Co. and William Gibbs, and that Capt. John Daly be appointed 
to execute this resolve, and make due return thereon. 

Tlie Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

—»>♦»#< 

Wednf.sd.w, April 17, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment 

Resolved, That no recruiting officer shall be allowed to inlist into the 
service any servant whatsoever, except apprentices bound under the law? 



17 
'?f luls Colony; nor any such apprentices, unless the consent of his master 
be Jii'st had in writing; neithw*fti|)^ man unless lie be 5 feet 4 inches high, 
healthy, strong made, and well limbed, not deaf, or subject to fits or ulcers 
on their legs. 

The committee for regimenting the difterent companies, laid before the 
House the following arrangement, which was agreed to, viz. 



Jetlu-o Sumner, Colonel. 

William xVlsion, Lieut. Col. 

Samuel Lockhart, Miijor. 

William Brinkly, 

PLiikitliman Eaton, 

Joliii Gray, 

William Barrot, 

Jacob Turner, 

George Graiiburv, 

JamesJ Cook, 

James Emmet, 

'I'lioraas Folk, Colonel. 

James Tiiackston, Lieut. Col. 

William Davidson, Major. 

Roger Moore, 

John Ashe, 

Jerom Maelalne, 

Robert Smith, 

William 'i'eraple Cole, 

Thomas Harris^ 

Joseph Philips, 

John Nelson, 



} 



3d Rex't. 



)»Captains 



} 



4tli Re^'t. 



)>Captai: 



Edward Buncombe, Colonel. 
Henry Irwin, Lieut. CoL 
Levi Dawson, Major. 

1 Reading Blount, 

2 John Eiiloe, 

3 William Caswell, 

4 Simon Alderson, 

5 Benjamin Stedman, 

6 Peter Simons, 

7 John Pugh Williams, 

8 William Ward, 
Alexander Liilington, Col, 
William Taylor, Lieut. Col. 
Gideon Lamb, Major. 

1 John James, 

'2 GritFilh John Mcllee, 

3 George Mitchell, 

4 Arthur Council, 

5 Philip Taylor, 

6 Archibald Lyttle, 

7 Jesse Saunders, 

8 John liaptista Aslie, 



^5th Iteg't. 

1 

>Captain8, 

^6th Reg't. 
1 

I 

I 
VCaptains; 



The Captains to take rank from the time their respective companies shall 
be completed, to be certified under the hand of one or more magistrates of 
the county where the men may be raised; and in case two or more compa- 
nies be compleated in one day, or any dispute arise about rank, that it be 
determined by a court martial. 

Ordered, Tliat Mr. William Cumming, Mr. Allen Jones and Mr. Ashe 
be a committee to draw up rules and decorum to be observed in Congress. 

Ordered^ That John ISIartin, Donald Shaw, Soril McDonald, Nivin Col- 
breath, Robert Mylne, llicliardson Fagon, John Martin, Alexander Spiers 
and GL'orge Mecks be discharged from their further attendance. 

Ordered, That Edward Winslow be discharged, he first entering into 
bond, with security, in the sum of 501. for his pei-sonal attendance at any 
future time before this Congress. 

That James Earns have liberty to retire from this Congress, and that 
Col. Nicholas Long deliver to him his waggon and horses, and such other 
property as has been detained. 

Resolved, That Dr. Robert Hall be appointed Chirurgeon to the 3d re- 
giment. Dr. Hugh Boyd Chirurgeon to the 4th regiment. Dr. San.uel Coo- 
ly, Chirurgeon to the 5th regiment, and Dr. William McGlure Chirurgeon 
to the 6th regiment. 

Resolved, That James Hogan, Esq. be appointed Paymaster of the 3d 
regiment to be raised in this Province, also Paymaster to the three compa- 
nies of Light Horse. Samuel Ashe, Esq. Paymaster to tlie first regiment. 
Jacob Blount, Esq. Paymaster to the second regiment. Hezekiah Alexan- 
der, Paymaster to the fourth regiment. Thomas Benbury, Paymaster to 
the 5tji regiment. Nathaniel Rochester, Paymaster to the 6th regiment. 

Resolved, That Mr. Whitmell Hill, Mr. Thomas Person, Mr, Johii 



18 
Ashe, Mr. Coor, !Mr. Harnett, Mr. I^>cke, Mr. Cooper. Mr. Lamon and 
Mr. John Johnston be a committee to settle the rations and tlie price to be 
allowed the commissaries for victualling the army. 

Hesolved, That Nicholas Long, Esq. be recommended to the General 
Congress for Quarter Master General to the Southern Department, to rank 
as Colonel; and that he act as Quarter Master in this Province until the 
sense of the Congress shall be had thereon. 

Resolved, That Samuel Swan, Esc^. be recomrAcnded to the General Con- 
gress for Deputy Adjutant General in this Province, and that he act as 
such until the sense of the Congress shall be had thereon. 

Resolved, That Mr. Locke, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Thomas Person, ^Ir. Ru- 
therford, Mr. Whitmell Hill, Mr. Burke, Mr. Nisbet, Mr. Spencer, Mr. 
Abraham Shepherd and Mr. Thomas Harvey be a committee to settle and 
allow the pay of the Light Horse heretofore in the service, and also the 
pay of those Light Horse directed to be raised by this Congress. 

The order of tlie day being read, iieso/uerf, ThatMr. Hooper, Mr. Penn» 
Mr. Harnett, Mr. Tliompson, Mr. Ca^nipbell, Mr, Benbury, Mr. Abbots 
Mr. Jarvis, Mr. Nash, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Miles Harvey, \Mr. Thomas Jones, 
Mr. John Ashe, Mr. Spicer and Mr. John Jordan be a committee to take 
into consideration the defence and state of the Sea coast, and make report 
thereon. 

Resolved, ThatMr. Spencer^ Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Joseph Williams, Mr. 
Thomas Person and Mr. John Johnston be a standing committee to take in- 
to consideration such petitions as may be exhibited by persons who shall 
appear objects of charity. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning-, nine o'clock. 

Thursday, April 18, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That it be an instruction from this House to the committee of 
Claims, to allow all reasonable charges and expenccs to the officers, sol- 
diers, and other persons, who served in the militia lately in service, al* 
though there be no provision made for such claims in the act or acts of As- 
sembly, or resolves of Congress, heretofore made; and that where it shall 
appear to them that any individual has bona fide advanced his money for 
the public service, they shall allow the same. 

Resolved, That every member of this Congress consider himself, under 
the ties of virtue, honor and love of his country, not to divulge, directly or 
indirectly, any matter or thing agitated or debated in Congress, during the 
time of debate, or before the same shall be determined, or after the deter- 
mination thereof, Avhich the President, at the request of the mover thereof, 
openly shall direct to be kept secret, without leave of the Congress, or a 
majority thereof; and that every person who shall violate this agreement 
shall be expelled the Congress, and considered as an enemy to America? 
and that every member signify his consent thereto by signing his name. 

Samuel Johnston, Thouias Respiss, jun. John Cowper, John Campbell, 
William Alston, Phil. Hawkins, jun. Jacob Blount, John Bryan, William 
Thompson, Solomon Shepherd, William Person, Samuel Jarvis, James Ry- 
an, Solomon Perkins, James White, Thomas Benbury, Thomas Jones, 
John Thompson, William Haywood, Elisha Battle, M. Hunt, John Taylor, 
jun. Joseph Hancock, John Jordan, Robert Sumner, Joseph John WlUiams,^ 



19 

Willis Alston. Jolin Bradfonl, James Hogun, Nathaniel Richaixlaon, James 
Council, Arthur Council, Jolm Ffifer, John McNitt Alexander, Robert Ir- 
win, William Williams, John Ashe, John Devane, Allen Jones, Drury 
Gee, John King, Miles Harvey, AV. Skinner, Thomas Boyd, William 
Robson, Griffith Rutherford, Matthew Lock, John Hinton, J. Rand, Cor- 
nelius Harnett, Whitmell Hill, Howell Edmunds, David Nisbit, James 
Coor, John AVebb, Da^y Ridley, David Sumner, C. W. Jacocks, Jeph. 
Atherton^ James Bonner, Nathan Boddie, Rotheas Latham, Benjamin Par- 
mele, Jedathan Harper, George Miller, Richard Caswell, S. Ashe, Joseph 
Jone^, Sam. Smith, A. Corrie, John Johnston, Benajah Doty, John Hol- 
liftsw.oflh. John Spicer, William Brown, Nathaniel Rochester, David 
Smith, David Love, Thomas Burke, Charles Eaton, Alexander McAlester, 
William Johnston, James Sanders, Simon Bright, J. Kinchen, Thomas 
W^iggins, Ransom Southerland, Henry Abbot, Demsey Burges, William 
Dent, Ralph Gorrell, A. Nash, Elisha Cain, Ting. Jones, K. McKenzie, 
A. Ramsey, Joseph Williams, Dun. Lamon, Thomas Harvey, William 
Dickson, Needham Bryan, Joseph Winston, Charles Gordon, Eaton 
Haynes, Samuel Spencer, John Chiles, Abraham Sheppard, jun. Law. Ba- 
ker, Will. Hooper, John Penn, Will. Cumming, William Murfree, Gideon 
Lamb, James Green, jun. Sec. J. Glasgow, Assistant, John Hunt,^ Assist- 
ant, Thomas Person, Green Hill, Thomas Sherrod, John Simpson, Tom 
Gray, Thomas Hunter. 

On motion, Ordered, That Henry Gilfard's letter to Col. James Moore 
be referred to the committee to take into consideration the most practica- 
ble and most expeditious method with supplying the Province with arms, 
ammunition, v/arlike stores, &c. 

Resolved, That Mr. Allen Jones, Mr. Nash, Mr. John Ashe, Mr. Miles 
Harvey and Mr. William Thompson be a committee to draw up instruc- 
tions and orders for the recruiting officers. 

Ordered, That John Slingsb}', James Wark, Dou gal Campbell, Hector 
McNeill, Daniel Treadway, Malcolm McNeill, James Cooper, John Cox, 
James Collins and Daniel Muse have leave to retire from their further at- 
tendance on this Congress, and that certificates be issued for their passing 
unmolested.. 

On motion. Resolved, That a resolve of yesterday, for appbinting James 
Hoj^un Paymaster tothe Sd regiment, Samuel Ashe Paymaster to the 1st 
regiment, Jacob Blount Paymaster to the 2d regiment, Hezekiah Alexan- 
der Paymaster to the 4th regiment, Thomas Benbury Paymaster to the 5tli; 
re^^iment, and Nathaniel Rochester Paymaster to the 6tli regiment, be re- 
scinded. 

Resolved, That Jacob Blount, Esq. be appointed Paymaster to the troops, 
in this Province, and that he be allowed fifty dollars per month, (the pay 
of a Deputy Paymaster,) and that he enter into bond,, with sufficient secu- 
rity, in the sum of 100,0001. for his faithful discharge of that office.. 

Resolved, That Robert Bignal be allowed the sum of 541. 8s. 8d. Proc. 
money, for 100 wt. of gunpowder, and ^33 wt. of shot; that the Treasur- 
ers, or either of them, pay him the same, on his producing a i-eceipt from 
Col. Henry Irwin that the same is bona fide delivered. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morjiing, nine o'clock. 



20 
FiuDAY, April 10, 1770. 

The Congress met according toatljourniuent. 

Resolved, That Thomas Wade and David Love for Anson, Henry I5on-. 
ner and Joseph Blount for Beaufort, Tb.omas Robinson and Thomas Brown 
for Bladen, Zedekiah Stone and Jonathan Jacocks fo'- Bertie, Richard 
Quince, jun. and Parker Quince for Brunswick, Julius Nichols and Adkin 
Macklemore for Bute, Christopher Neale and William Jllount for Craven^ 
John Eason and Brice Williams for Carteret, Samuel Jarvis and Solomon 
Perkins for Currituck, Luke Sumner and John Baptist Beasley for Chow- 
an, Ebenezer Fulsome and John Blocker for Cumberland, Mial Scurlock 
and Solomon Morgan for Chatham, James Kenan and Richard Clinton for 
Duplin, Benjamin Sheppard and Joseph Green for Dobbs, Henry Horn and 
Jonas Johnston for Edgecomb, Memucan Hunt and Thomas lianks for 
Granville, Charles Bruce and Daniel Galaspee for Guilford, Edward Han- 
cock and William Russel for Hyde, George Little and William Baker for 
Hertford, Egbert Haywood and David Crawley for Halifax, Needham Brj'- 
an and John Smith for Johnston, David Rees and Thomas Hai-ris for Meck- 
lenburg, Francis Ward and Blake Baker Wiggins for Martin, John Devane 
and Capt. John Foster for New Hanover, William Eaton and Hez.okiah 
Hough for Northampton, William King and Thomas Johnston for Onslow, 
John Butler and John Atkinson for Orange, Benjamin Harvey, jun. and 
Edmund Blount for Perquimons, Isaac Gregor}- and Othniel Lassell for 
Pasquotank, James Gorham and Benjamin May for Pitt, Francis Lock 
and James Brandon for Rowan, Robert Lanier and Jesse AValton for Surry, 
Stevens Lee and Kezekiah .Spruill for Tyrrell, AVilliam Grimes and Robert 
Alexander for Tryon, and Thomas Hines and Theophilus Hunter for 
Wake county, be appointed to receive, procure and purchase fire arms for 
the use of the troops, and that they observe the following regulations: 

1. That they receive into their possession all such arms as have beeu 
taken fi-om the Tories, and keep them safely till they shall be demanded by 
persons hereafter to be appointed by this Congress for that purjjose; and 
that they have power to give discharges upon such receipts to all persons 
intitled to them. 

2. That they purchase all fire arms which arc good and sufllcient, and 
fit for immediate use^ and also such as may be repaired, and put in such 
order as to be made useful. Provided, that no gnus fit for immediate use 
may be purchased from any militia man, whereby he may be able to plead 
such ciixumstance in excuse for not attending his duty as a militia mau 
when called upon. 

3. That such arms as they shall purchase v/hich are out of repair, they 
shall immediately put into the hands of workmen to make fit for use, and 
bj every means in their power expedite the same. 

4. That the arms so taken, when repaired, shall be valued by indifferent 
persons, and after deducting the expense of the repairs, the surplus shall 
he paid to those from whom such were purchased; and as to those which are 
fit for immediate use, the value thereof, upon appraisement made by in- 
different persons, shall be paid to the proprietors. 

Resolved, That as there are a number of persons called Quakers, Mora- 
vians and Dunkards, who conscientiously scruple bearing arms, and as 
such have no occasion for fire arms, that they be informed, that it is the 
sense aud coafideut expectation of this Congress, that they will dispose of 



2i 
their fiia arms to the said commissioners, they receiving the full value 
thereof; but that no compulsiou be exercised to induce them to this duty. 
■ Resolved, That the sum of 300 1. be advanced to the draught of the said 
commissioners for each county, they giving bond and security for the due 
application of the same, and that such bond be to the President of this 
Congressj and that the Delegates of each county shall take care that such 
bond is given, and shall exert themselves to aid and assist the said commis- 
sioners to carry these resolves into execution. 

Resolved also, Tliatthe said cynuuissioners shall receive from those who 
now hold them in possession, all swords, dirks, pistols, and all other im- 
plements of war, which have been taken from the Tories; and that they 
purchase as many bayonets as can be procured, which are already made. 

Resolved also, That if armorers cannot be found in e;ic!i county sufficient 
for repairing such arms, th.at they be sent into such publio armory as shall 
be established hereafter by this Congress. 

Resolved, That the said commissioners sliall be allowed a genteel and 
generous compensation for their scirvice, in proportion to the fidelity and 
despatch witli which they shall execute this trust. 

"Resolved, That the Colonels of the continental troops shall receive from 
the said commissioners such arms as they may collect, as soon as they are 
fitted for use, and sliall deliver them out to the recruits; and as soon as 
their respective regiments are armed, the surplus in their hands to be deli- 
vered over to the Commissary of Stores, hereafter to be appointed. 

The committee appointed to take into consideration the defenceless state 
of the sea coast of this Province, do report, and humbly submit to the con- 
sideration of the Congress, the follov/ing as their opinion, viz. That the sea 
coast from the Virginia line to Occacock Inlet, as also the coast from Occa- 
cock toBogue Inlet, and from that Inlet to the South Carolina line, is total- 
ly defenceless, and all the sea banks covered with cattle, sheep and hogs, 
and the few inhabitants living on the banks are chieUy persons whose 
estates consist in live stock, and exposed to the ravages of the small arm- 
ed vessels and tenders; and that if the armed vessels and tenders are pi-e- 
ventcd from getting sup^plies of fresli provisions from the sea coast, it will 
be impossible for the war to be of long continuance in this Province, as the 
seamen and soldiers will be afflicted with the scurvy and other diseases, a- 
vising from the constant use of salt provisions, and therefore be under the 
necessity of quitting the coast, and by that means save to the back inhabit- 
ants of this Province the very great trouble and heavy expense of frequent- 
ly coming down to the assistance of their brethren on the sea board. 

Your committee further submit to the consideration of the Congress the 
necessity there is of raising another regiment, and stationing six companies 
out of the same on the sea coast for its defence, in the followino- manner, 
viz. Two companies from'the Virginia line to Occacock Inlet, two com- 
panies between Occacock Inlet and Bogue Jjalct, and two companies be- 
tween Bogue Inlet and the South Carolina line; and that it be recommend- 
ed to the Continental Congress to take the said regiment into Continental 
pay, first fully assuring the Congress of the necessity of such a measure. 

Ordered, The said report lie for consideration till to-morrow. 

Ordered, That Mr. Hooper and ISIr. Penn be adtled to the committee of 
Secrecy, War and Intelligence. 



Mr. Spicer, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Tignal Jones have leave to absenX them- 
selves for a few days. 

Ordered^ That Mr. Rochester^ Mr. Dickson. Mr. Lawrence Baker, Mr.. 
AVilliam Williams, Mr. Thomas llarvejand Mr. Benajah Doty, be added 
to the committee of Claims and Military Accounts. 

Ordered^ That Mr. Thomas Person, Mr. Kinchen, Mr. Thomas Jones, 
Mr. Whitmell Hill, Mr. Lock, Mr. Gumming, Mr. William Williams and 
Mr. Thomas Benbury, be a committee to prepare a nuuiber of resolves to 
expedite the business for emitting money. 

The returning officer having certified that Mr. Charles W. Jacocks was 
duly elected a Delegate for the county of Bertie, pursuant to a resolve is- 
suetl from this Congress the 10th instant, the said Mr. Jacocks appeared 
and took his seat. 

The Congress adjourned 'till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

Saturday, April -20, 1776. 

Tiie Congress met according to adjournment. 

The committee to di-aw up mstructions and oi'ders for the j:£cruiting offi- 
cers, reported as follows: "*■ 

1. They are to inlistnone but abloJjodied men, fit for service, capable 
of marching well, and such whose attachment to American liberties they 
have no cause to suspect; young, hearty, robust men, whose birth, family, 
connections and property bind them to the interest of their country, and 
well practised in the use of firearms, are much to be preferred. 2. They 
are as much as possible to have regard to moral character, particularly so- 
briety. 3. They are not to inlist any imported servant, nor, without the 
leave of his master, any apprentice. 4. They are to be careful in inlist- 
ing such men for Serjeants and Corporals, whose ability, activity and dili- 
gence make them fit for that appointment; they are also to appoint a Fifer 
and Drummer. 5, They are to exert themselves to complete tlieir compa- 
nies, and punctually to report to their Colonels. 6. Thattlie soldiers be 
allowed 1 s. per day each for their subsistence till they join their regiment. 
7. They are to fake notice that the Colonel of their battalion, or some field 
officer appointed by him, are to inspect their men, and to reject such as 
are not fit for service/- 8. They are to furnish the subaltern officers of tlieir 
companies with a copy of their instructions. 9. They are to inlist their 
men according to the following form, viz. 10. "I have ib.i.s day volunta- 
rily inlisted myself as a soldier in the American Continental Army, and do 
bind myself to conform in all instances to such rules and n^gulations as are 
or shall be established for the government of the said army: as witness my 
hand, &.c." 11. That they inlist no soldier under 5 feet 4 inches high, a- 
ble bodied men, healthy, strong made, and well limbed, nor deftf, or sub- 
ject to fits, or ulcers on their legs, or ruptures. 12. That they pay to each 
boldier they shall inlist 40 s. bounty, and 3 1. advance: and that every re- 
cruit take the following oath : / do swear, that J will be faithful and 

true to the United Colonies; that I will serve the same, to the utmost of my 
power, in defence of the just rights of America, against all enemies what- 
soever; that I will, to the utmost of my abilities, obey the laiv^ul commands 
of my superior officers, agreeable to the Ordinances of the Congress, and the 
Ji'Aichs if M\ir to ivhich I have sid)sc/ibed; and lay down my arms peacca- 



23 
i/i/, 7chen required so to do by the Contiiicntcd Congress. So lielp me God. 

'1,'he House taking the same into consideration, concurred therewith. 

The committee appointed to settle and allow the pay of the Liglit Horse 
heretofore in the service, and also the pay of those Light Horse directed 
to be raised by this Congress, reported as follows: 

Your committee are of opinion that each Light Horse man employed in 
the late expedition against the insurgents in this Province, should be allow- 
ed 2 s. 6 d. for every day he served, and that for every horse (where the 
public found forage) the owner should be allowed 2 s. and 2 s. 6 d. where 
forage was supplied by the owner. That to every Captain in such service 
should be allowed 10 s. Lieutenants 7 s. 6 d. and to every cornet 5 s. per 
day. That 2 s. 6 d. for every day's service should be allowed to every 
Light Horse man who shall hereafter enter into the regular service (exclu- 
sive of the horse) and to every captain the same pay as a Major of Foot, 
to ever3^ Lieutenant the same pay as a Captain of Foot, and to every Cor- 
net the same pay as a Lieutenant of the Foot. 

The House taking the same into consideration, concurred thercAvith. 

Ordered, That Mr. Abraham Sheppard, Mr* William Johnston, Mr. 
Samuel Spencer and Mr. Thomas Wiggins, have leave of absence. 

The order of tlieday being read for taking into consideration the de- 
fenceless state of the sea coast, Ordered, 'Ilic same be deferred till Mon- 
day next. 

The Congress adjourned till Monday morning, nine o'clock. 

Monday, April 22, 1770. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Ittsolved, That Major Peter Dauge. and Mr. Demsey Gregory be appoint- 
ed to take immediately into their possession all the negroes belonging to the 
estates of Thomas Macknight, late of Currituck county, and also of James 
Parker and Robert Gilmore, and cause them to be immediately brought to 
this place, that the said negroes may be subject to the further order of this 
Congress. 

On motion, Hesolced, The Congress resolve itself into a committee of 
the whole, to take into consideration the state and arrangement of the mi- 
litia in tiiis Province* 

The Congress resolved itself into a comirsittee of the whole accordingly, 
and chose John Campbell, Esq. Chairman; and after sometime spent there- 
in, tame to several resolutions. Then, on motion, Mr. President resumed 
the Chair, and the Chairman reported as follows: 

Resolved^ That a Brigadier General of the militia be appointed in each 
district of this Province. 

Resolved, That Richard Caswell, Esq. be appointed Bi-igadier General 
of the militia for the district of Newbern. John Ashe, Esq. for the dis- 
trict of Wilmington. Thomas Person, Esq. for the district of Hillsbo-^ 
rough. Griffith Rutherford, Esq. for the district of Salisbury. Edward 
Vail, Esq. for the district of Edenton. Allen Jones, Esq. for the district of 
Halifax. 

Resolved, That each of the Brigadier Generals shall take rank in their 
respective districts. 

Resolved, That the following persons be appointed fiekUofficers in the 
respective counties^ viz. ♦ * 



24 
Jinson county, Charles Mcdlock, Colonel, David Love, Lioiit. Colo= 
hel, Will^m Picket, 1 Major, Geor<^e Davidson, ^ Major. Beaufort, 
James Bonner, Col. Thomas Bonner, Lieut. Col. William Brown, 1 Ma- 
jor, Henry Bonner, 2 do. Jkiiic, Thomas Whitmell, Col. Tliomas Pujih, 
Lieut. Col. Jaiues Moore, 1 Major, Arthur Brown, 2 do. JJladen, Tlio- 
mas Robeson, Col. Thomas Brown, Lieut. Col. Thomas Owen, 1 Major, 
James Richardson, 2 do. JJide, Tiiomas Eaton, Col. William Alston, 
Lieut. Col. Thojnas Sherwood, 1 Major, Green Hill, 2 do. Craven, John 
Bryan, Col. Lemuel Hatcli, Lieut. Col. jolui Bryan, 1 Major, John Til- 
man, 2 do. Carlerel, NViiliam Thompson, Col. Solomon Shepherd, Lieut. 
Col. Thomas Shadwick, 1 Major, Malicha Bell, 2do. Currituck, Hollo- 
well Williamsj CoU Salomon Perkins, Lieut. Col. Taylor Jones, 1 >Major, 
Asael Simmonds, 2 do. C//o?i;6'n, Thomas Bonner, Col. James Blount, 
Lieut. Col. Thomas Benbury, 1 Major, Jacob Hunter, 2 do. Cumberland, 
Alexander M'Alister, Col. Ebenezer Fulsome, Lieut. Col. David Smithj 
1 Major, Philip Alston, 2 do. Chatham, Ambrose Ramsay, Col. Jedu- 
than Harper, Lieut. Col. Mial Scurlock, 1 Major, MatthcAV Jonesj 2 do. 
Duplin, James KcnKn, Col. Thomas Routlidge, Lieut. Col. James Moore, 

1 Major, Robert Dickson, 2 do. JJobbs, Abraham Shepherd, Col. Mar- 
tin Caswell, Lieut. Col. William McKinnie, 1 Major, James Glasgow, 2 
do. EdgecovtJ)^Vj^mn'Le-wh, CoU Simon Gray, Lieut. Col. Jonas John- 
ston, 1 Major, Thomas Hunter, 2 do. Granville, Joseph Taylor, Col. 
Charles Rust Eaton, I/ieut. Coh Samuel Smith, 1 Major, Thornton Yan- 
cy, 2d do. Guiiford, James Martin, Col. John Peasly, Lieut. Col. Tho- 
mas Owen, 1 Major, Thomas Blair, 2 do. Hyde, Rotheas Latham, Col. 
Benjamin Parmele, Lieut. Col. William Russell.; 1 Major, Thomas Jones, 

2 do. Hertford, Benjamin Wynns, Col. Matthias ]5rickell, Lieut. Col» 
Lawrence Baker, 1 -Major, George Little, 2 do. Halifax, Willis Alston, 
Col. David Sumner, Lieut. Col. James Hogan, 1 Major, Samuel Wcldon* 
2 do. Johnston, William Bryan, Col. John Smith, Lieut. Col. Samuel 
Smith, jun. 1 Major, John Stevens, 2 do. Mecklenburg^ Adam Alexan- 
der, Col.- John Pilfer, Lieut. Col. John Davidson, 1 Major, George A- 
lexander, 2 do. Martin, William Williams, Colonel, Whitmel Hill, 
Lieut. Col. Thomas Wiggins, 1 Major, Kennith McKinzic, 2 do. Neio 
//anot'er, William Purviancc, Col. Anthony W^ard, Ijieut. Col. Hen'-y 
Young, 1 Major, Thomas Bloodworth, 2 do; Northampton, William 
Eaton, Col. jeptha Eatherton, liieut. Col. Howell Edmunds, 1 Major, 
Drury Gee, 2 do. ()ndou\ William Cray, Col. Henry Rhodes, Lieut^ 
Col. Thomas Johnston, 1 Major, Jamps Howard, 2 do. Southern Regi- 
ment in Orange, John Butler, Col. Nathaniel Rochester, Ijieut. Col. Ro- 
bert Abercrombic, jun. 1 INLajor, Hugh Tenncn, 2 d<y. Northern Regiment 
in Orange, James Saunders, Col. William Moore, Licut.''>Col. 'John' ' 
Paine, 1 Major, Tb.omas Harrison, 2 -do. Perqidmons, Miles Harvey^" 
Col. William Skinner, Lieut; Col. Thomas. Harvey, 1 'Major, Richard 
Clayton, 2 do. Eirst Regiment of Pasquotank^ 'T\\o\Vi?i?, B^iyd, Col. Spa- 
cer Ripley, Lieut. Col. Othneil Lascelles,^rMajor,**John easey,*V2xlo. 
Second Regiment of Pasquotank, Isaac Gregory," 'Col. Demsey BllJ'ges, 
Lieut. Col. Joshua Campbell, 1 Major, Peter iDaug'e, 2 do. " 7-'z7/,'John 
Simpson, Col. Robert Salter, Lieut. Col. George Evans, 1 Majorj James 
Armstrong, 2 do. First Regiment of Jiowan, Francis Lock, Col. Ale:^- 
ander Dobbius, Lieut. Col. James Brandon, 1 Major, James Smith, 2 do. 



25 
Second Regiment of Rowan, Christopher Beckman, Qol. Charles Mc» 
Dowell, Lieut. Col. Hugh Brevard, 1 Major, George Welfong, 2 do. 
Surry, Martin Armstrong, Col. Joseph Williams, Lieut. Col. Joseph "Win- 
ston, 1 Major, Jesse "Walton, 2 do. Tyrrell, Clement Crook, Col. James 
Long, Lieut. Col. Joseph Spruill, jun. 1 Major, Andrew Long, 2 do. 
Tryon, William Graham, Col. Thomas Beaty, Lieut. Col. Andrew 
Hampton, 1 Major, Jacob Cosner, 2 do. Wake, John Hinton, Col. 
Theophilus Hunter, Lieut. Col. John Hinton^ jun. 1 Major, Thomas Hines, 
2 do. 

Resolved, That the militia of the county of Ofange be divided into two 
equal Regiments, to wit: the Northern and Southern Regiments; the North- 
ern to include all the effective men on the north side of a certain east and 
west line heretofore run by the direction of the County Court oi Orange, 
and the Southern to include all the effective men on the southern side of the 
said line. 

The House taking the said report into consideration, concurred there- 
with. 

The committee appointed to prepare a number of resolves to expedite 
the business of striking money, came to the following resolutions, which 
they humbly submit to the consideration of the Congress, viz. 

Resolved, That the sum of 250,000 dollars shall be struck in bills of 
credit, of the following numbers and denominations, viz. 
3000 12^ dollars, £15000 20000 1 dollar, ;£ 8000 

20000 1-2 do. 4000 



20000 1-4 do. 2000 
20000 1-8 do. 1000 



10000 7h do. 30000 

10000 5 do. 20000 

20000 2d do. 20000 

Resolved, That the form of the said bills be as follows, viz. £ 100000 

North Carolina Currency. 

• Dollars, by authority of Congress, at Halifax, on the Qd day of 



April, 177 Q. 

Resolved, That Mess. John Kinchen, Thomas Benbury, Memucan Hunt 
and John Johnston, or the survivors of them, be a committee to get proper 
plates engraved, and to provide paper and number the bills, and to agree 
with an engraver or engravers to stamp or print the said bills, and to form 
devices for the same; and that they be, and are hereby fully authorised to 
superintend the press, to have the oversight and care of stamping or print- 
ing the bills of credit so to be struck, and to deliver the same stitched to 
the commissioners hereafter to be appointed to sign the said bills. 

Resolved, That the said commissioners shall use the best of their care and 
diligence that the said bills, according to their respective denominations, 
and according to the manner and form aforesaid, be forthwith printed or 
struck; and that the number of any of the denominations thereof be not 
exceeded, nor any clandestine or fraudulent practice be used by the en- 
graver or engravers, his or their apprentices, servants, and others, concern- 
ed in the printing or striking thereof. 

Resolved, That the engraver or engravers which the commissioners shall 
employ in the said work, before he or they enter upon the same, take before 
some Justice of the Peace, in the presence of one or both of the said com- 
missioners, the following oath, viz. 

" I, .^. B. do swear, that I will truly, faithfully and honestly perforitt 
the duty of engraver of the bills of credit directed to be engraved by a re* 

4 



26 
solve of the Congress of North Carolina, hold at the town of Halifax th€» 
second day of April, in the year of our Lord 1776; and that I will notad- 
viscdly print, stamp or strike a ti;rcater number of blank bills of credit than 
in that resolve mentioned, nor of any other denomination than therein ex- 
pressed, except such sheets as may be so blotted, unfair, or imperfect in 
the printing or striking thereof, tliat the same shall be unfit for use. So 
help me God.'^ 

BesCiVed, That the said engraver or- engravers, by himself or themselves, 
his or their servant, apprentice, or any other person by him or them em- 
ployed, print, strike, stitcli, or bind the said bills, or any of them, but in 
the presence of one or niore of the said commissioneis; and in every in- 
termission of tUe work, the said commissioners shall safely and securely 
lock up in some room the press, plates and stamps, with which the work 
shall be performed, and the impressions which shall be then made, in which 
the printing, stamping and striking shall be done, and the keys of such 
room shall keep in their possession; and when all the said bills shall be 
printed and struck, the plates shall be delivered by the said engraver or 
engravers to the said commissioners, and by them to the cemmissionera 
hereafter to be appointed to sign the said bills of credit. 

Resolved, That Col. ^^'iUiam Haywoot!, Mr. John Webb, IMr. William 
Williatns, and Mr. David Sumner, be commissioners for the purpose of 
signing the bills ot credit; that all bills of one dollar and under be signed 
by at least two of the said commissioners, and that all the other bills be 
signed by four of the said commissioners, and after signing them, shall de- 
liver the same to the Treasurers, or one of thein, taking his or their re- 
ceipts for the bills so delivered; and that they be allowed tiie sum of 12 s. 
per thousand bills signed by each for such services. And that the com- 
missioners appointed to superintend the striking, stiching and binding of 
the said bills, be allowed the sum of 12 s. per thousand bills so superin- 
tended each for such services. And if any of the commissioners appoint- 
ed as aforesaid should die, remove out of the Province, or refuse to act, the 
surviving commissioners, or a majority of them, shall appoint others, or 
another, in the room of him or thehi so dying, removing, or refusing; which 
commissioner or commissioners so appointed, shall enter into bond, and 
such commissioner shall before his entering irito office take the following 
oath, to wit: 

*'I A. B. do swear, upon the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, that 
I will, in consequence of the trust reposed in me by the Provincial Con- 
gress of this Province, faithfully execute the same; that I will not stamp, 
8io;n or emit, or knowingly suffer to be stamped, signed or emitted, more 
bills than such as have been described by the said Congress; and as soon as 
such bills are emitted, that the plates used in stamping the same shall be 
destroyed." 

The House taking the same into consideration, concurred therewith. 

Resolved, That Lieutenant Edward Vail, as soon as may be, march the 
ti*oops under his command to the Southward, in order to join his Regiment; 
and that his conduct stands justified by this Congress in obeying the reso- 
lution of the committee of Edenton, lately issued for his detention. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 



-4# 4*» 



Tu'Ksji.w, AmuL 23, ITf^ 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Read the ggtition of a number of peopl^ stjling themselves members of 
Chrisfs Church, setting fart!i thej were for religious scruple? bound by 
conscience against taking up arms; praying to be relieved in the premises. 

The House taking the same into consideration, rejected the said petition, 
ncin. con. ... ♦ 

Read the petition of Philip Alston, setting forth he had been greatly in- 
jured by the Tories, particularly by a certain Capt. Muse; praying relief. 

Ordered, The said petition lie for consideration. 

Resolved, That Mr. Matthew Lock, Mr. John Pfifer and Mr. Joseph 
Williams, for the district of Salisbury; Mr. James Jones, Mr. James 
Saunders and Mr. Samuel Smith, for the district of Hillsborough; Mr. 
Benjamin McCulloch and Mr. William Johnston, for the district of Hali- 
fax; be appointed commissioners to purchase thirty-six gj^ldings and the 
like number of saddles and bridles, 'with accoutrements, in each district; 
dark coloured horses, not under four, nor above eight years old, nor under. 
fourteen hands high, sound, and strong made,- and that the said comnais- 
sioners du not exceed the sum of 30 U for each horse so purchased; that 
they be allowed for er.ch horse, with the accoutrements, the sum of 15 s.. 
for purchasing the same. l|| 

Resolved, That Mr. William Kennon ne appointed Commissary to the 
1st Regiment in this Province, Robert Salter Commissary to the 2d Regi- 
ment, John Webb Commissary to the 3d Regiment, Ransom Southerland 
Commissary to the 4th Regiment, Peter Mallett Commissary to the 5th re- 
giment, and Thomas Hart Commissary to the 6th Regiment. 

Resolved, That every person who shall inlist himself as a Trooper in the 
Ijiirht Horse, shall be allowed three pounds advance. 

The committee for taking; into conside'ration the most practicable and ex- 
peditious method of supplying the Province with arras, ammunition, -why- 
like stores and sulphur, and also the expediency of erecting works for the 
making of salt pctre, gunpowder and purifying sulphur, laid the same be- 
fore the House. 

On motion. Resolved^ The House resolve itself into a committee of 
the whole, to take under consideration the same. The House resolved it- 
self into a committee of the whole accordingly, and chose John Campbell, 
Esq. Chairman; and after some time spent therein, came to several resolu- 
tions. Then, on niotion, Mr. President resumed the Chair, and Mr. Chair- 
man reported that the committee had come to several resolutions,, but; 
not having time to reduce them to form, desired leave to sit again. 

Resolved, The said committee have leave to sit again to-morrow. 

Ordered, That Mr. Ralph Gorrel, Mr. Solomon Perkins, Mr. John Penn>. 
and Mr. William Thompson have leave to absent themselves for a few days 
from the service of the Congress. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

Wednesday, April 24, 1776. 
The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Mr. Rotheas Latham, one of the members for the county of Hyde, ap- 
peared, subscribed the Test, and took his seat accordingly. 



28 

On motion, Resolved, The House resolve itself into a committee of the 
whole House, for taking under further consideration the report of the com- 
mittee to consider the most practicable and expeditious method of supply- 
ing the Province with arms, ammunition, warlike stores and sulphur; and 
also the expediency of erecting works for making salt petre, gunpowder 
and purifying sulphur, &c. 

The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole accordingly, 
John Campbell, Esq. in the Chair; and after some time spent, came to sun- 
dry resolutions. On motion, Mr. President resumed the Chair, and Mr. 
Chairman reported as follows, to wit; 

Your committee beg leave to report, that it is their opinion that Mr. 
Eaton Haynes, Mr. John Geddy, Mr. David Jeffers, and Mr. Henry Ma- 
son be employed to proceed, at the expense of this Province, to Warwick 

and Petersburg, in the Province of Virginia, and there to consult with 

Rubsamer, and observe the process by him made use of in manufacturing 
salt petre, and obtain from him instructions and information how the pro- 
cess may be most beneficially conducted in this Province; and after having 
themselves made the experiment successfully in the presence of the said 
Rubsamer, and having obtained a certificate from him of that fact, to re- 
turn to this Province; and that they be impowered to promise, in behalf of 
this Colony, that they will make the said Rubsamer a handsome gratuity 
for the extraordinary trouble he may take to further the purposes of the said 
commissioners. 

It is further the opinion of this committee, that buildings be erected, and 
all the materials, implements, ana utensils, necessary for the manufactur- 
ing salt petre, be procured, and that a manufactory be established in the 
county of Halifax, which shall be under the superintendence, direction 
and management of the said commissioners; and that the said commission- 
ers shall have power to draw upon the Treasury of this Province for a sum 
of money, not exceeding 600 1, to be applied to pay the expence of provid- 
ing such works and materials as shall be necessary for the above purpose, 
and that they employ under them such labourers and assistants as may be 
necessary to conduct the process most expeditiously and beneficially; and 
that the said commissioners shall be allowed the sum of 1 s. for every pound 
of saltpetre which they shall make and deliver within two years into tho 
hands of the commissioners hereafter appointed to receive the same, for the 
benefit of the public; and that the said commissioners shall give bond, in 
the sum of 1200 I. to the President of this Congress, for the due and faith- 
ful discharge of the trust reposed in them, and for the due application of 
the said monies which maybe paid them out of the Treasury. 

It is further the opinion of this committee, that a powder mill be erected 
in the county of Halifax, and that Wylie Jones, Benjamin McCulloch and 
Josiah Sumner, Esqrs. be appointed to erect the same, and prepare all u- 
tensils, implements and materials, for the manufacturing gunpowder; and 
that they receive from the directors of the salt petre manufactory such 
quantities of salt petre, from time to time, as they shall have made, pre- 
pared and refined for use, and also shall use their best endeavors to pro- 
cure sulphur wherever it may be found, and to purify such of it as may be 
crude and unfit for present use. And that the said Wylie Jones, Benja- 
nun McCuUoch ana Josiah Sumner be impowered to draw upon the Colony 
Treaiurcrs for ,a sum of money, not cxceeaing 5001. to disburse the expence 



29 
of constructing such works, providing such articles as shall be necessary to 
carry on the said workj and that they give bond for the due application 
of the said monies, and the faithful discharge of the trust reposed in them, 
and that the said bond be to the President of this Congress, and his suc- 
cessors, in the penal sum of 1000 1. and that the said directors of the pow- 
der mill shall be allowed the'sum of 1 s. for every pound of gunpowder 
manufactured by them, and delivered within two years into the hands of 
persons hereafter to be appointed by this Congress to receive the same, for 
the public use. 

It is further the opinion of this committee, that a work be established in 
the Province of North Carolina for the purpose of making common salt, 
and that Waightstill Avery, William Thompson, Richard Blackledge and 
Robert Williams be commissioners to erect works necessary for that pur- 
pose, and to carry on the process, and obtain all possible information rela- 
tive to the same; and that they be impowered to draw upon the Treasury 
for a sum, not exceeding 2000 1. to pay the expences of erecting sucn 
works, and providing all materials, implements and utensils proper to be 
made use of; and that such works be fixed in such part of the Sea coast 
where they will be best secured from the annoyance of the enemy, and 
tend to furnish the Colony with the greatest quantity of that necessary ar- 
ticle; and that the said directors give bond, with sufficient security, for the 
faithful discharge of the trust reposed in them, and the due application of 
all such monies which may be advanced them; and that over and above 
their reasonable expences, be allowed the sum of 4 d. (for the space of two 
years from the last day of August next) for every bushel of salt manufac- 
tured by them, and delivered to such persons as shall be directed to receive 
the same, for the public use; and that the said commissioners, after fixing 
upon a proper place on the Sea coast for the manufacturing of common salt, 
do purchase the same of the proprietor or proprietors thereof, for and in 
behalf of the public of this Province, upon the most reasonable terms, and give 
a draft for the same on either ofthe Treasurers of this Province, who shall be 
allowed the same in the settlement of his accounts with the public; and that 
the conveyance for the same shall be taken in the name of the President 
and his successors of this Congress, for and in behalf of the public of this 
Province, and that said conveyance shall be taken in fee simple. 

It is further the opinion of this committee, that John Devane, Richard 
Herring and James White, in the ^j^strict of Wilmington; John Cowper, 
James Coor and James Glasgow, in the district of Newbern; Luke Sumner, 
William Hunter and Jacob Hunter, in the district of Edenton; Joseph 
John Williams, Christopher Dudley and James Ransom, in the district of 
Halifax; William Johnston, Thomas Burke and Ambrose Ramsey, in the 
district of Hillsborough; James McCoy, David Nisbit and William Alex- 
ander, in the district of Salisbury, be impowered immediately to direct the 
establishing of public manufactories in their respective districts, of good 
and sufficient muskets and bayonets, of the following description, to wit: 
Each firelock to be made of 3-4 of an inch bore, and of a good substance 
at the breach, the barrel to be 3 feet 8 inches in length, a good lock, the 
bayonet to be 18 inches in the blade, with a steel ramrod, the upper end 
of the upper loop to be trumpet mouthed; and that for that purpose they 
collect from the diflferent parts of their respective districts all gunsmiths, 
and other mechanicks, who have been accustomed to make, or assist in 



3b 

making muskets, or who may iu their opinion be useful in carrying on such 
manufactory, and tliat tlicy be together employed in the respective districts 
manufactory so established; and that they be furnished, at the expense of 
this Colony, with tools, implements and utensils, and materials for carry- 
ing on the said Avork; and that the said commissioners respectively shall 
contract with the mechanicks in such manner as they may think proper, 
provided that for each gun and bayonet compleat tlie public shall not pay a 
sum exceeding 5 1. and that the said commissioners in each district shall 
have liberty to draw upon the Treasury for a sum of money, not exceeding 
1000 1. for each district, to be expended in erecting such manufactories, 
procuring tools, implements and materials, and paying the mechanicks em- 
ployed for their respective services; and that the said commissioners shall 
give bond to the President and his successors, with sufficient security, for 
the faithful discharge of their trust, and that they will justly account ior all 
sums of money which may be intrusted to them for the purposes aforesaid; 
and that the said commissioners shall deliver to such person or persons as 
shall be impowered by this Congress to receive the same, all such muskets 
and bayonets as shall be complete for use. 

Your committee further report, that as to the contents of a letter from 
Heniy Giftbrd to General Moore, referred to this committee, they are of 
opinion that Mr. Thomas Person, Mr. Martin Ptifer and Mr. Ambrose 
Ramsay be impowered and directed immediately to repair to John Wilcox's 
furnace and iron works on Deep River, and to agree with the said John 
Wilcox, in behalf of this Province, on the lowest terms iiiey can, for the 
hire of the said furnace and iron works for the space of two years, or to 
purchase and repair the iron works in Guilford county, for casting pieces 
of ordnance, shot, and other warlike implements, for the use of this Pro- 
vince, of such si/.es and denominations as the commanding officer of the 
troops sh:ill i'vom time to time direct; and that said commissioners agree 
•with soiiK^ person or persons, and direct the said work, and collect from 
the diPicrent ]):irts of the adjacent country persons skilled in pi\tting the 
said furnace in proper plight, and working at the surao, and likewise horses, 
waggons, carts, barrows, together with all conveniences for smelting of 
metal, and wood cutters, colliers, and all other v/oVkers necessary for car- 
rying on the work of the said furnace, and employ them for the purpose a- 
foresaid; and that the said commissioners procure, at the expence of this 
Colony, all such provisions, tools, furniture and materials, as shall be found 
necessary for compleating the said purpose; and that for discharging the 
expence thereof, the said commissioiu^rs be impowered to draw on the Co- 
lony Treasurers, or either of them, f >;• any sum, not exceeding .5000 I. and 
that they give bond to the President of this ('ongreBs, for and in the name 
of this Province, in the penal sum of 10,0001. for the due application of, 
and accounting for the money they s-!iall so draw for the purpose aforesaici, 
and the faithful discharge of the trust reposed in thcMu. 

And as by the above resolves several set of commissioners have been ap- 
pointed to superintend to carry into execution the several purposes and 
manufactories mentioned therein, and as several commissioners therein 
mentioned may remove out of the Province, die, or decline; it is therefore 
Resolved^ That where any of the said commissioners may remove himself 
out of this Province, die, or decline to act, in every such case, the survivor 
or survivors of such set of commissioners where such an incident may hap- 



31 

pen, shall hare full power to nominate and appoint a person, whom thej 
shall conceive a proper person, to lill up such deficiency, who shall enter 
into bond as is above directed. 

The House taking the said report into consideration, amended the same, 
and concurred therewith. 

Ordered, Mr. Griffith Rutherford, Mr. Thomas Person and Mr. Allen 
Jones be a committee to consider the petition of a number of persons in 
Guilford county, against Col. James Martin and Alexander Huntej:,' and 
make report thereon. 

Ordered, Mn James White, Mr. Lawrence Baker and Mr. Rotheaa 
Latham have leave of absence. 

Resolved, That General Rutherford, John Rand, John Cowper and James 
Saunders be a committee to report the most practicable and expeditious 
method (^f procuring and purifying sulphur for the use of the powder mill 
directed to be erected in this Province. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 



Thursday, April 25, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Ordered^ That Mr. Burges, Mr. John Johnston and Mr, Cowper have 
leave of absence for a few days. 

Resolved, That Chai-les Robb, Thomas Douglass and Thomas JMander, 
lately taken at Occocock'on board of a Tender, be admitted to their parulit, 
they having signed a declaration for that purpose. 

The committee appointed to examine and consider the petition of a num- 
ber of persons in Guilford county, against Col. James Martin and Alexan- 
der Hunter, reported as fullov.s, viz. 

That about the 2r*d of February Capt. Alexander Hunter, contrary to 
orders, openly deserted at the head of his company from the army encamp- 
ed at the Cross Roads, in Guilford county, and hath otherways behaved 
himself in a tyrannical and lawless manner to the men under his command. 
And as to Col. James Martin, your connnittee report, that the said Lieut. 
Col. James Martin, contrary to law, hath issued his warrant to an officer 
to- tie several of his )nen, and to levy on their estates the sum of 10 1. and 
cests^ without hearing any excuse, or admitting them to a trial by a Court 
Martial. 

The House taking the same into consideration, Resolved, That the said 
Capt. Alexander Hunter and Lieut. Col. James Martin be suspended from 
their command, until their conduct can be enquired into by a Court Mar- 
tial; and that the goods or effects of all persons levied on by the above of" 
ficers be immediately restored. 

Ordered, That Mr. Harnett, Mr. Thomas Jones and Mr. William Skin- 
ner be a committee to settle the salvage of such vessels as are lately taken, 
which the captors may be intitled to. 

Resolved, That Eaton Haynes, Esq. be appointed an agent for this Pro- 
vince to proceed to Philadelphia, and to take such measures, and give such 
orders, as he may think most expedient, to conduct the prisoners to .the se- 
veral places destined for them by this Congress with the greatest safety and 
expedition possible; that he supply the prisoners and guard with provisions, 
and other articles which may be necessary for them upon their route; and 
be impowered, in behalf of this Province, to draw upon the Continental 



32 
Treasury for such sums as he shall necessarily expend for the above pur- 
poses, and that such draught be seasonably made known to Joseph Hewes, 
Esq. delegate of this Province in the Continental Congress, by letters of 
advice to be addressed to him. 

Orderedy That Mr. Needham Bryan have leave to absent himself from 
the service of this Congress. 

On motion, Besolved, That the temporary Civil Constitution be taken 
under consideration to-morrow morning- 
Read the petition of sundry pilots, and other inhabitants of Occacock, 
praying a condemnation on the Tender called the Lilly, with her tackle^ 
furniture and cargo, together with the Negroes belonging to her. 

Resolved, That a special Court of Admiralty be appointed to try the 
Tender sloop the Lilly and cargo, and that for this purpose Richard Cog- 
dell, Esq. be appointed Judge of the said court, John Cook, Esq. Advo- 
cate, and Thomas Sitgreaves, Esq. Register and Marshal j and that in 
case of condemnation, the proceeds of the sales, after defraying the rea- 
sonable charges of condemnation, be divided between the captors. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

— »>^ ©•<•.•- 
Friday, April 26, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That Mr. President be impowered to borrow monies on the 
credit of this Province, and that the faith of this Province be pledged for 
the re-payment thereof, with interest thereon. 

Resolved, That the several persons in this Province impowered to pur- 
chase provisions for the use oi the public, be required to lay their accounts 
before the Congress. 

Mr. Benjamin Parmale, one of the delegates for the county of Hyde, and 
Mr. Jeduthan Harper, one of the members for the county of Chatnam, ap- 
peared, subscribed the Test, and took their seats in Congress. 

Resolved, That each of the commissaries appointed in this Province, be- 
fore they enter upon that office, enter into bond, with sufficient security, 
in the sum of 10,0001. to the President of this Congress, for the faithful 
discharge of such office. 

Resolved, That General Person, General Rutherford, General Jones, 
Mr. Burke, Mr. Locke, Mr. Coor and Mr. Miles Harvey be a committee 
to consider that part of General Moore's letter with respect to the requisi- 
tion of the militia, and report to this House. 

Resolved, That 2000 wt. of gunpowder be immediately dispatched from 
this place to Brigadier General Moore. 

Ordered, That Mr. James Saunders, Mr. Duncan Lamon, Mr. Hancock, 
Mr. Battle, Mr. Southerland, Mr. Benbury and Mr. Nisbitbe added to the 
committee of Claims, and that nine or more of them may proceed upon bu- 
siness. 

Resolved, That Col. William Williams send to Tarborough 400 wt. of 
shot in his possession belonging to the public, and that he deliver the same 
to Col. Irwin of that place. *" 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 



33 
Saturday, April 27> I776i 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Ordered, That Capt. Dickerson be added to the commissioners for pur- 
chasing light liorse in the district of Hillsborough. 

Ordered, That Mr. John HolUngsworth have leave of absence from this 
Congress. 

Jiesolved, That all recruits shall be inlisted for the term of two years and 
six months from the time of such inlistment, but may be dismissed sooner, 
in case the Continental Congress shall judge it necessary; and if the said 
troops shall be discharged before the expiration of that term, they shall be 
paid one month's wages. 

Resolved, That Mr. President give the thanks of this Congress to Briga- 
dier General Howe, for his manly, genei'ous and warlike conduct, in these 
unhappy times; more especially for the reputation which our Provincial 
troops acquired under him at the conflagration of Norfolk. 

Resolved, That jt his Congress do publish a Declaration, testifying that 
they have been under a necessity to remove the prisoners who have been 
concerned in the late insurrection to other Provinces, from a regard to the 
public safety; and because while such men continued amongst us, much 
was to be apprehended irom. their personal and family influence of those 
persons disposed to exert it to the prejudice of this country, and delude 
these ignorant, wicked and unwary, into measures that might endanger the 
future happiness of this Colony* That the unhappy families and connec- 
tions of those whom we have in our power, be assured, that every indul- 
gence which humanity and compassion can give, consistent with the duty 
which we owe to the inliabitants of these Colonies, engaged in a contention 
for the rights of America and of mankind^ shall be extended to those whom 
we liavein our power; but that much will depend upon the future good be- 
haviour of those who still remain in the Province, as to the mode of treat- 
ment which our pris(mers shall experience, and their being suffered to re- 
turn to their respective habitations, families and friends, when peace is re- 
stored to us; and that this Declaration be translated into Erse. 

Resolved, That the committee of Secrecy, War and Intelligence be im- 
poweredto remove all such persons (not exceeding the number of 40) with 
their familieSj as they shall deem capable of influencing the late insurgents 
to take arms against America, from their present neighbourhood into such 
places as they shall judge most safe and convenient; and that certain per- 
sons, who shall be hereafter appointed in every county whither such per- 
sons and families shall be removed, be required to take special care that 
Such persons shall net be suffered to want any of the necessaries of life, 
until it shall be in their power to procure the same by their own industry 
and property; and all supplies which shall at any time be furnished by the 
several persons so required, shall be paid for by this Colony. Provided, 
that every such person as shall be so removed, shall be allowed his election, 
either to take with him his family or not; and also that all such persons 
shall be allowed to make such disposition as they shall think proper of their 
estates and properties. 

Ordered, That Thomas Rutherford be permitted to take with him hia 
horse and Negro man, and that Farquard Campbell be likewise permitted 
to take with him his horse, and that Mr. McNeill carry the same to them*., 

Pursuant to a resolution of this House, the returning officer certified that 

5 ^- - .- . 



C4 
Col. Richard Caswell, Mr." Simon Bright and Mr. George Miller wore du- 
ly elected delegates for the county of Dobbsj who appeared, subscribed 
tne Test, and took their seats in Congress. 

The order of the day being rea«l, Jxesolved^ The House resolve itself in- 
tb" a committee of the whole House, to take into consideration certain reso- 
lutions proposed as a foundation for a temporary civil Constitution. The 
House resolved itself into a committee of the wliole House accordingly, 
and chose William Gumming, Esq. Chairman? and after some time spent 
therein, Mr. President resumed the Chair, and Mr. Chairnian leported the 
several resolutions^ The House taking the same into consideration, Or- 
dered, The same be laid over till Monday next. 

Brigadier Ashe has leave of absence, find Mr.- Day Ridley has leave of 
absence till Monday. 

Resolved, That Christopiier Neale be impoWefed to take to his assistance 
five sufficient persons, to carry under guard John Goodrich and George 
Blair, prisoners now in Halifax, to Suftblk in Virginia^ 

Resolved, That Mr. Christopher Neale be allowed the stim of 201. for 
carrying under guard to Suftblk in Virginia John Goodrich and George 
Blair, and that the Treasurers, or either of them^ pay him the same, and be 
allowed in their accounts with the public. 

The committee appointed to take into consideration the requisition of 
reinforcement of the militia made by Brigadier General Moore, reported 
their opinion. Ordered, The same lie on the table. 

The Congress adjt^urned till Monday morning, nine o'clock. 

Monday, Aimui, -29, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Read the petition of Philip Alston, settin<^ forth the loss of ahorse, mare 
and gun, bylhe Insurgents; praying relief. Ordered, To lie on the table. 

Read the report of the committee for taking under consideration the peti- 
tion of the executors of Johu Callaway, deceased. Ordered, The same lie 
for consideration. 

"Read the petition of the committee of Guilford county, requiring some 
reward for attending committee, sitting, and disarming the Tories, &c.— ^ 
Rejected nem. con. 

Resolved, That Mr. Hooper, Mr. Thomas Jones, Mr. Samuel Ash&, Mn 
Penn, Mr. Kihchen, Mr. Caswell, Mr. Person and Mr. Harnett be a com- 
mittee to consider and report the business necessary to be carried into ei- 
e'cution this present Congress. 

Resolved, That five independent companies be immediately raised in 
this Froviifcfe, to consist of 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 4 Serjeants, 
4 Corpot-als, 2 Drummers, 1 Fifer, and 68 rank and file, and that the said 
companies be stationed at the following places, to wit: One company be- 
tween Currituck and Roanoke Inlet, one company at Occacock Inlet, one 
company between Occacock and White Oak Inlet, one company betweeh 
Bogue Inlet and New River Inlet, and one company between New River 
and Deep Inlet inclusive. And that the officers and soldiers of said com- 
panies shall be allowed the same pay and rations as officers and soldiers on 
the Continental establishment, and subject only to the controul of this or 
arty future Congress, or to any executive power^ acting in the recess of the 
&ame, to remove or disband them* 



35 

Resolvedj That the following persons be appointed Captains, Lieuten^ 
ants and Ensigns, to the mdependeat companies directed to be raised, viz. 
James Anderson, Captai^ Benjamin BShiuer, 1 Lieutenant, James Wahob, 
2 Lieutenant, and John Brag, Ensign, of the company at Occacock-Inlet.,^ 
Dennis Dauge, Captain, John Jarvis, Jl Lieut. Legrand WhitehalJ, 2 Lieut, 
and Butler Cowall, Ensign, of the company between Currituck and Roan- 
oke Inlet. John King, Captain, Edward Ward, 1 Lieut. Peter McLam- 
niy, 2 Lieut, and James Boston, Ensign, of the company between New Ri- 
ver and Deep Inlet. Enoch Ward, Captain, Reuben Benthel, 1 Lieut. 
Benjamin Chainey, 2d Lieut, and Charles Dennis, Ensign, of the company 
between Occacock and White Oak Inlets. Silby Harney, Captain, Joseph 
Walker, 1 Lieut. Adam Gaskin, 2 Lieut, and James Williams, Ensign, of 
the company between Boguelukt and New River. 

And that the following persons be appointed Commissaries to the said 
companies: John Cooper, Esq. Commissary to the companies stationed at 
Occacock Inlet, and between Occacock and White Oak Inlet. Samuel 
Jarvis, Esq. Commissary to the company betw:een Currituck and Roanoke. 
Inlets. Mr. Hull Doty, Commissary to the company between New Riv.eri 
and Deep Inlet, 

Resolved, That the companies stationed on the Sea coast may be farther 
encouraged to exert themselves in taking armed vessels, and otiiers. which 
maybe taken by the enemies ships of war and armed tenders, such aa they 
take as prizes, may he adjudged to the captors, after the charges of con- 
demnation; except vessels owned by Americans, and friends to Continen- 
tal associations, &c. for whicli the captors shall have salvage. 

Mr. Hawkins has leave of absence from the Congress. 

The order of the day being read for taking into consideration certain re- 
solutions proposed as a foundation for a temporary civil Constitution, Or- 
dered, The same be deferred till to-morrow morning. 

Pursuant to a former resolution, t!ie following Declaration was laid ber 
fore this Congress, and appi-oved: 

DECLARATION. 

Impelled by a regard to our own safety, and the preservation of those 
rights and privileges which God and the Constitution have made unaliena-; 
bly ours, and which the power of Great Britain, with unremitting venge-i 
ance, injustice and cruelty, is labouring to subvert, we have been induced, 
to measures which it is the object of this Declaration to explain to those 
who may be interested in them, or their consequences. 

To other Provinces, at a distance from their own places of residence,, 
without that circle where their personal and family influence may be exer-. 
ted to the prejudice of the Continent, and of this Province in particular, 
we have deemed it absolutely necessary for the public safety to remove a 
body of men, whose residence fortune had cast in the very bowels of cue- 
country, and who, in common with ourselves, have shared the blessings 
which a mild and liberal provincial system of laws, a benigned climate, an 
increasing trade, that poured riches into the lap of our honest industry, the 
countenance and protection of their honest neighbours held forth to them 
with the most liberal hand; this misguided people, disregarding the duty 
which they owe to that country, under the just and equal laws of whicn 
they have enjoyed protection, procured acjple njeans of subsistencf? fo^ 



36 
themselves and their families, and possessed of a considerable property 
amongst us, were equally bound, by, every tie divine and hunmn, to defend 
and maintain the cause of liberty, wliich in common with ourselves, all vir- 
tuous men on this Continent, at the hazard of every tiling dear to them, arc 
labouring at this day to defend. Those men, confederating with our unna- 
tural enemies, and taking advantage of their residence amongst us, and 
that confidence which such a relation necessarily created, have raised their 
hands against us, and endeavored to imbrue them in the best blood of our 
fellow citizens. God in his Providence hath hitherto defeated their wick- 
ed machinations, and after their having experienced a shameful defeat, hath 
put into our possession many of the principals of them, who from the wick- 
edness of their own hearts, and from the seduction of others, meant to have 
consigned this once flourishing colony to the most abject slavery and op- 
pression. 

Those people, though subdued, still retain principles inimical to us; and 
are prompt, as soon as they shall be favoured by their situation, or the as- 
sistance of troops, expected every day to invade this colony, with a proba- 
bility of succeeding, to attempt to carry their wishes into execution, and 
co-operating with a merciless administration, drench this Province in blood 
and slaughter. 

These have been our motives for exercising a severity, which regard to 
the common safety, and that first' principle of nature, self-preservation, 
prompted. Justice demanded it at our hands, and in the anguish of our 
hearts we lament the sad necessity which the frailties of our fellow beings 
have alloted to our share; still we wish the reformation of those yvho in this 
unhappy contest are severed from us, and from those endeaiiiig ties which 
nature and social connections have formed for them, and who still remain 
amongst us to lament the f )lly and wickedness of those whom we have re- 
moved from amongst them. To these we administer tliis consolation, that 
they may rest assured that no wanton acts of cruelty, no severity, shall be 
exercised to the prisoners; no restraints shall be imposed upon them, but 
what shall be necessary to prevent their v,sing their liberty to the injury of 
the friends of America. 

We have their security in contemplation not to make them miserable. 
In our power, their errors claim our pity, their situation disarms our resent- 
ment. We shall hail their reformation with increasing pleasure, and i-e- 
ceive them to us with open arms. Then sincere contrition and repentance 
shall atone for their past conduct. INIembers of the same political body 
with ourselves, we feel the convulsion which such a severance occasions} 
and shall bless the day which shall restore them to us friends to liberty, to 
the cause of America, the cause of God and mankind. 

We war not with the helpless females which they left behind them; wo 
sympathize in their sorrow, and wish to pour the bflm of pity into the 
wounds which a separation from husbands, fathers, and the dearest rela- 
tions, have made. They are the rightful pensioners upon the charity and 
bounty of those who have aught to spare from their own necessities to the 
relief of their indigent fellow creatures; to such we recommend them. 

May the humanity and compassion which mark the cause we are 
engaged in, influence them to such a conduct as may call forth our utmost 
tenderness to their friends whom we have in our power. Much depends 
upon the future demeanor of the friends of the insurgents who are left a- 



57 
inong us, as to the treatment our prisoners may experience. Let them con- 
sider these as hostages lor their own good beliaviour; and by their own me- 
rits make kind offices to their friends a tribute of duty as well ashumanity 
from us, who have them in our power. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

Tuesday, April 30, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

The committee appointed to settle the salvage of such vessels as were 
lately taken, and what the captors may be entitled to, reported as follows, 
viz. 

That it appears to your committee, that a certain schooner called the 
Polly, of which one Silas Henry is novA master, was bound on a voyage 
from Edenton, in this Province, to the Island of Madeira, loaded with In- 
(lian corn, staves and heading, and that the said schooner had proceeded 
to the Swash, near Occacock Island, on her way to the said Island of Ma- 
deira; and that on Sunday the 14th of this instant (April) about four o'- 
clock in the afternoon of the same day, an armed sloop, called the Lilly, 
commanded by a certain John Goodrich, a tender fitted out by Lord Dun- 
more for the purpose of taking all the vessels at Occacock Barj that the 
said John Goodrich hailed the schooner. Polly, and ordered the master to 
pome on board the said tender, and bring his papers; that Silas Henry, the 
master, and James Buchanan, one half owner of the schooner Polly and 
her cargo, went on board the tender Lilly, and delivered the papers to 
Capt. John Goodrich, who received and examined the same, ^nd who told 
Mr. James Buchanan that the schooner was a piize, and kept the papers; 
and that Lieutenant John Wright, master of tlie armed sloop Fincastle, 
came over Occacock bar the evening of tlie said 14th day of this instant 
(April) and about 8 o'clock the same evening a boat with armed men sent 
from the Fincastle boarded the scliooner Polly, and plundered the said 
schooner of all the live stock, disarmed the men, and left a prize master and 
four armed men on board the schooner Polly, who remained there for the 
term of 58 or 59 hours; and that on the 17th of this instant (April) a num- 
ber of armed men, in 5 whale boats, boarded the tender commanded by 
John Goodrich, took her, and retook the schooner Polly, and carried the 
tender and schooner up to Newbern. Your committee therefore humbly 
submit to the consideration of the Congress the following as their opinion: 
That the captors are intitled, by a resolve of the Continental Congress of 
the 25th of November last, to one third part of the schooner Polly and her 
cargo, in lieu of salvage; and that the said vessel and cargo, consisting of 
Indian corn, staves and heading, should be sold at public auction, first giv-< 
ing thirty days public notice; and that after the sale thereof, and all ne- 
cessary charges deducted, the distribution thereof shall be made as folio w- 
eth, viz. One third part to the captors, and the other two thirds to Mess. 
James Buchanan and Archibald Campbell, who appear to your committee 
to have owned the said schooner Polly and her cargo. 

The House taking the said report into consideration, concurred there-* 
with. 

Resolved, That Thomas Sitgreaves be appointed to sell at public auction, 
for ready money, the schooner Polly and her cargo, first giving 30 days 



58 
notice ill the Carolina Gazette; and that distribution of the money arising 
from the sale thereof (after deducting all necessary charges) be made in tlie 
followin'" manner, viz. One third part thereof to the captors, in lieu of 
salvage; and the other two thirds to Mess. James Buchanan and Archibald 
Campbell, who appear* to have owned the said schoo ner, Ptd lv and her 
cargo. ^ "~^ 

Resolved, That Joseph Hughs, late of Rowan county, iiave a safe conr 
duetto come and reside in the county of Mecklenburg, with such^Jf his 
family and property as he shall think proper to remove, he giving security 
to behave himself well, and not to give assistance or council, directly o. 
indirectly, to the enemies of Ameripa. 

Resolved, That Mr. George Miller, Mr. Currie and Mr. Campbell, be i 
committtee to examine the property of John Hamilton and Co. in a vesse 
called the William, and her cargo, ordered to be seized at Newbern, am' 
make report thereon. 

Ordered, That Mr. Samuel Ashe and Mr. Caswell be added to the com 
mitteeto report the most practicable and expeditious method of pi'ocurinf 
and purifying sulphur for the use of the powder mill directed to be erect- 
ed in this Province, aijd also the method of supplying the same with lead, 
and the mode of purifying the same. 

The committee for taking under consideration such petitions as may be 
exhibited by persons who shall appear objects of charity, r«porteil. thai 
they had taken in consideration the petition of Robeit Willis, viz. 

It appears to your committee that the said Robert Willis is a Serjeant in 
Capt. Armstrong's company of the Continental Army in this Province; that 
in (he kite expedition to Ninety Six, in South Carolina, he took cold by the 
inclemency of the season, whereby he hath been reduced to a very weak 
and langiiishifig state of health, and that the said Robert Willis is very 
poor and indigent. Your committee therefore i-ecommend him as an object 
of public charity, and are of opinion tliat, during liis present infirmity, he 
oiiglit to be allowed IVom this Province for his support at the rate of 20 1. 
a year, to be paid quarterly, in lieu of his pay. 

And as to the case of one William Wommock, referred to this commit- 
tee, it appears to your committee that the said William Wommock was a 
Sergeant in the Orange militia in the late expedition against the Tories; 
that on his march he was unfortunately shot with a bullet througli one of his 
feet, and thereby i-endered unfit for that ser^icc; that it docs not appear 
to your committee that he is at present in a state of poverty and want, nor 
does it appear to your committee whether his wound be likely to be cured 
or not, or what expences have been incurred to feffect his cure. Your com- 
mittee therefore recommend that proper persons be appointed to inspect 
the said William Wommock, and to make rejiort to the Congress. 

The House considering the same, concurret! therewith. 

Ordered, That Mr. Simpson and Mr. James Saunders be appointed to 
examine into the circumstances of the said William Wommock, and report 
to the next Congress accordingly. 

Ordered, That Mr. Hooper, Mr. Burke and Mr. Dickson, have leave of 
absence; and that Mr. Harnett has leave of absence the day after to-mor- 
row. 

Resolved, That Mr. Burke, Mr. Samuel Ashe, Mr. Caswell, Mr. Hoop- 
er, Mr. Penn, Mr. Nash, Mr. Kinchen, Mr. Thomas Jones and Mr. Coor, 



39 
be a committee to form a temporary turm of government until the end of 
the next Congress. 

Resolved, That Capt. Dennlson be allowed 10 1. as a gratuity 

For his care, vigilance, and the hazard he run, in performing a voyage from 
Nevvbern to the French West Indies, and back again, to procure ammuni- 
tion for this Province^ that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the 
same, and be allowed in their accounts. 

The committee to form an estimate of the expence for supporting the 
troops to be raised for one year, reported that the expence of one regiment 
^12 months would amount to 50,000 1. 

,The committee for re-considering the petition of William Alston, in be- 
.,lf of Solomon Alston's widow, reported to this House. 
.The House taking the same into consideration^ Resolved, That John Hen- 
i.'rson, who intermarried with the said Solomon Alston's widow, enter in- 
bond, with sufficient security, to the President of this Congress (in be- 
ilf of said orphans) that he will not i-emove any part of the estate out of 
e Province, and faithfully account for the same. 
■ The Congress adjourned till to-morrow mornings nine o'clock^ 

— -weQg' 

Wednesday, May 1, 1776. 
. The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Resolved^ That a resolution of this Congress of the 22d of April, for 
"jpointing six Brigadier Generals in the several districts of this Province, 
i rescinded. 

Resolved^ That Brigadier General Howe be allowed the sum of 300 1. 
ir his extraordinary expence while in the Colony of Virginia; that the 
'reasurers, or either of them^ pay him the same, and be allowed in their 
:counts with the public. 

Ordered, That Duncan McNeill be discharged from further attendance 
n this Congress, he first entering into bond, with security, in the sum of 
00 1. for his appearance at a future Congress^ alid good behaviour. 

Resolved, That Mr. John Henderson pay to Mr. James Jones 51. 15 s^ 
i>r his expences in citing the said Henderson to appear at Congress on the 
petition of William Alston. 

J On motion. Resolved, That Allen Jones, Esq. be appointed Vice-Presi- 
l^nt of this Congress. 

Resolved, That Mr. William Fenner be appointed a Captain in the se- 
cond Regiment of the Continental troops raised in thisProvincCi Ordered^ 
rhat a certificate issue accordingly. 
Mr. John Taylor has leave of absence* 

Resolved, That the further allowance of 666 dollars, and two third parts 
rf a dollar, be paid to each of the Delegates who were appointed in Sep- 
tember last to attend the Continental Congress in behalf of this Province, 
for one year; and that the Treasurers, or either of them, draw on the Con- 
tinental Treasury for the same, and be allowed in their accounts with the 
public. 

Resolved, That William Hooper, Joseph Hewes and John Penn, Esqrs.- 
be, and are hereby appointed Delegates, in behalf of this Province, from 
the determination of the present year to the end of the next Congress which 
shall be held in this Province, to attend the general Congress at Philadel- 
phia, or such other place as maybe appointed; and they are hereby invest- 



40 
ed with such powers as may make any acls i^one by Ihem, or any of tliem^ 
or consent given, in behalf of this Province (not inconsistent with such in- 
structions as may be given by this Congress) obligatory upon every inha- 
bitant thereof^ and that they be allowed at the rate of 2U00 dollars each 
for performing such services, to be paid by the Public Treasurers, or either 
of them, who are impowered to diaw 06 the Continental Treasury lor the 
same, and shall be allowed in their accounts Avith the public. 

Mn Sherrod and Mr. Saunders have leave of absence; 

Resolved, That the vestrymen legally elected in each and every parish 
in this Province on Easter JSlonday last, upon repeating and subscribing 
the Test recommended by the last Provincial Congress, shall be, and are 
hereby declared legal vestries, and may proceed to parochial business ac- 
cordingly; and where no vestries were then elected, tlie freeholders in such 
parishes shall meet at the place by law appointed for the election of ves* 
tries on the first Monday in July next, and then and there choose and elect 
a vestry, agreeable to the directions of the act of Assembly for appointing 
vestries, and the poll shall be taken by the clerk of the county committee, 
and return made in the same manner as the sheriff', impowered and direct- 
ed by the said act; which vestrymen so elected shall qualify themselves* 
by repeating and subscribing the aforesaid Test, and shall thereafter be 
deemed and taken to be the legal vestry of their respective parishes, and 
invested with tlic same powers and authorities, as if elected and qualified 
agreeable to the aforesaid act. Provided, that where any vestrytnan alrea- 
dy elected for th-; present year has taken the oaths, or subscribed any Tests 
or Declarations heretofore appointed, the election of a vestry -in such 
parish shall be, and is hereby declared void, and a new election shall be 
made under the regulations aforesaid. And provided also, that no vestry 
shall continue longer than until next Easter M-jnday under any election 
made on last Easter Monday^ or by virtue of this resolve; any thing here- 
in contained to the ctmtrary notwithstanding. 

Resolved, That commissioners be appointed in the counties of Guilford^ 
Cumberland, Anson, Orange, Bladen and Chatham, to take inventories of 
the estates of the prisoners lately sent out of this Province, and of those 
who are out upon parole and bail, and to take all the care in their power to 
prevent waste and embezzlement, and to make return thereof to next Con- 
gress; but at the same time to pay particular attention to the unhappy wo- 
men and children, to see that they do not want the common necessaries of 
life, and that all their estates shall remain where they now are, except 
arms and ammunition, under the protection of this Congress, until some! 
future order; and that the said commissioners shall, by every means in their 
power, endeavour to get into their possession such effects as have been ta- 
ken from the said prisoners, persons on parole, and out on bail, and to be 
restored to the resi)ective habitations from wh^^nce such effects were taken, 
and return inventories thereof to next Congress; and that the following 
persons be commissioners, viz. Mr. William Bell, Richardson Owen and 
Francis Harper, for Guilford county, Mr. Thomas Wade, John Cole and 
William Mask, for Anson county, Mr. Peter Mallett, William Rand and 
Robert Cobb, for Cumberland county, Mr. John Butler and Mr. William 
Tate, for Orange county, Mr. James Council and Mr. Nathaniel Rich- 
ardson, for Bladen county,' Mr. Jeduthan Harper, Mial Scurlock and John 
Thompson, for Chatham county. 



41 

liesolved, That tlie commissioners for the county of Cumberland dispose 
of the estate of Archibald McArthur, deceased, late insurgent of said 
county, for six months credit, the purchasers giving bond with approved se- 
curity for the samej and that they make report to the next Congress. 

Resolved, That Mr. James Coor, Mr. William Alston, Mr. Hunt, Mr. 
Lock, Mr. Webb, Mr. Pfifer, Mr. Rutherford, Mr. John Campbell, Mr. 
Bradford, Mr. Caswell, Mr; Benbury and Mr. G. Hill, be a committee to 
regulate the militia. 

Resolved, That Mr. Hunt^ Mr. Lock and Mr. Person be a committee 
to take an inventory of the effects of the Tories itithe possession of Colonel 
Long. 

The Congress adjourned till to-itibrrow niorning, nine o'clock. 

Thursday, May 2, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Mr. John Simpson, one of the Delegates for the county of Pitt, and Mr. 
I'homas Hunter, one of the Delegates for Chowan county, appeared, sub- 
Scribed the Test, and took their seats in Congress. 

Mr. Nathan Boddife has leave of absence. 

Resolved, That provisions and ammunition be immediately sent from this 
place to General Moore at Wilmington, and that Col. Long and Mr. Ben- 
jamin McCulloch be appointed to carry this order into execution. 

Resolved, That the commanding officers of the several battalions issue 
immediate orders to their several recruiting officers to march their recruits 
as fast as they shall inlist, and be properly armed, to join General INIoore 
at Head Quarters^ and that they march under the command of such officer 
of the company as can be best spared j and that the officers and soldiers 
belonging to the 2d battalion, who may be absent on furlow, do immediate- 
ly join their battalion^ and march to join General Moore at Wilmington. 

Resolved, That ten pieces of the double fortified six pounders now lying 
at Newbern, belonging to the Province of South Carolina, and also any 
field pieces which may be there, be immediately sent off to General Moore's 
Head Quarters on Cape Fear river; and that Col. Long and Mr. Benjamin 
McCulloch be appointed to see the same done. 

Resolved, That John Webb, Esq. be added to the comnlissioners for pro- 
curing arms in Halifax county, and that he immediately purchase all such 
as may be serviceable to the army that may be for sale; and that Col. Long 
collect all the arms which may have been taken from the Regulators and 
Tories, and hold them ready to be delivered to new recruits, as the offi- 
cers may apply for them. 

Resolved, That the Chairman of the Committee of Newbern cause the 
ten pieces of cannon ordered to be sent to Wilmington, to be delivered to 
the order of Col. Long & Mr. Benjamin McCulloch, and also any field pieces 
which may be there; and that the Chairman receive from Col. Long^ or his 
order, such provisions as he may have occasion to leave at Newbern, till 
further orders. 

Ordered, That Robert Goodloe, Joseph Shearing and Benjamin Seawell 
be added to the commissioners appointed to receive^ prtfcurej and purchase 
fire arms. 

Resolved, That the arms, camp kettles, and camp equipage, purchased 
by Mn Charles Jacocks for this Province^ be immediatefy delivered t& 



42 
JLieutenant Jacob Pollock, of Col. Thomas Polk's Rcgiinoiit, as the new 
raised recruits are under marching orders to join General Moore at Cape 
Fear, Mr. Jacocks taking Lieutenant Pollock's receiptior the same. 

Mr. Charles McLean and Mr. James Johnston, two of the members from 
Tryon countv, appeared and took their seats. 

Mr. Thomas Respiss has leave of absence. 

Pursuant to a resolve of this Congress, Mr. President returned Briga- 
dier General Howe the following thanks: 

Bkigadier General Howe. 

Sir, 

lam commanded by the Congress to return you their thanks for 
your manly, generous and warlike conduct in these unhappy times, more 
especially for the reputation our troops accjuired under your command. 

I now, with infinite pleasure to myself, in compliance with that com- 
mand, return you the thanks of this House, for the important scrvicesren- 
tlered by you to the common cause; and in particular for your manly and 
officer-like exertions during the wltole of the late 'dangerous, important, and 
critical campaign. '^ 

To ivliich the General relumed thefmbuilng ansiver^ vh. 

Mr. President, .tf:.ii^ ,- 

As 1 have no wish so ardent, no ambition so strong, as that of serv- 
ing the noblecause to which I havedevoted myself, hov/ happy must it make 
me, when to the pleasing consciousness of having endeavored to do my du- 
ty, you so politely add the approbation of my country. It is an heart felt 
and honourable testimony that my efforts have not been wholly unsuccess- 
ful, and my felicity upon this occasion can only be increased by consider- 
ing that I have this public opportunity of expressing the obligations I feel 
to be due to those officers and men of every corps under my command, 
whose ready acceptance, and spirited execution of the orders issued, have 
obtained nie the distinguishing honors of this day. Permit me, Sir, through 
you, to assure the honorable Convention, that I have the most grateful sense 
of their favour, and that I conceive the best return I can make, is with 
zeal and activity to pursue the dictates of my duty; in which resolution I 
cannot but persevere, as the good of my country is the end I aim at, and 
its applause the consequence and reward of promoting it. Accept, Sir, 
rry thanks for the manner in which you have so obligingly conveyed to me 
the sense of your honorable House. 

Ordered, That James Burnside, now on parole at Halifax, be discharged 
from the same. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

Friday, May 3, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Ordered, That the parole of Robert Acheson, Midshipman of the Syren, 
now within the limits of the townef Halifax, be extended five miles with- 
out the limits of the same. 



43 

liesolvcd, That Thomas Aldorsoiibe appointed Ensign in Captain Simon 
AUlerson's company of the regulars in this Province, in the room of James 
McKinnie. 

Resolved, That Christopher Lacky be appointed second Lieutenant in 
Capt. John Enloe's Company of th.e 5th Regiment in this Province, in the 
room of who refuses to act. 

Resolved, That the rn,embers of this and all future Congresses shall be 
allowed 10 s. per day for their attendance on the same, and their ferriages 
and travelling to, and returning liome from said Congresses. 

Resolved, That iOO I. be granted towards finishing the Fort at Hanging 
Point on Neuse river, and that the said Fort be garrisoned by a Captain 
and 24 men. 

Resolved, That John Daly be appointed Captain and commander of the 
said Fort. 

Resolved, That the said John Daly be appointed Commissary to the troops 
to be garrisoned at Hanging Point. 

Resolved, That the thi-ee Southern Independent Companies ordered to 
be raised in this Province, shall consist of no more privates than 60. 

Resolved, ThatMicajah Little be appointed second Lieutenant in Capt. 
William Brinkly's Company of the 3d Regiment, in the room of Christo- 
pjier Lakey, removed to Capt. Enloe's Company in the 5th Regiment. 

Resolved, That Col. Long be requested to receive his Excellency Gene- 
ral Lee at the line of this Colony, with a proper detachment of troops, and 
escort him to Halifax. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of the Provincial Council be taken ua- 
dfer co:isideration to-morrow. 

Mr. Hancock and Mr. Hogun have leave of absence. 

Resolved, That tlie commissioners for purchasing guns in the counties of 
Orange and Granville, be impowered to purchase drums and fifes for the 
Regiments ordered to be raised. 

Resolved, That 1500 privates of the militia, under proper officers, be 
immediately drafted from the districts of Edenton, Newbern, Halifax and 
Wilmington, in the following manner, and march as quick as possible to 
Wilmington, on Cape Fear, for the protection of this Province, to wit: 

Wilmington District incorporated into six Companies: From New Han- 
over 63, Onslow 63, Duplin 63, Brunswick 60, Bladen 63, Cumber- 
land 63. 

Newbern District into seven Companies: FromDobbs 113, Craven 122, 
Johnston 50, Pitt &0, Beaufort 25, and Hyde 25, in one Company. 

Edenton District into seven Companies: From Bertie 50, Martin 50, 
Tyrrell 50, Hertford 50, Chowan 50, Perquimons 50, Pasquotank 75. 

Halifax District into seven Companies: From Halifax 100, Edgecomb 
100, Bute 100, Northampton 75. 

Resolved, That the said militia shall be divided into two battalions, and 
that Thomas Brown, Colonel, James Armstrong, Lieutenant Col. and 
James Moore, of Duplin, Major, be appointed to command that part of 
the militia to be drafted from the District of Newbern and Wilmington; 
and that Philemon Hawkins, jun. Colonel, Peter Dauge, Lieut. Col. and 
Dury Gee, Major, be appointed to command that part of the militia to be 
drafted from the District of Edenton and Halifax. 

Whereas it appears from a paper signed by Abraham Chiiders, Cornet ia 



44 
the first troop of Light Horse commanded by Capt. Dickerson, tliat he }»ad 
taken seven new rifle guns, with their moulds and wipers, from Arthur 
Moore, of the county of Orange, for the use of the Coatiuental army; Re- 
solved^ That the said Abraham Childers has acted without authority, and 
with violence, evil in its example, and dangerous to the security of private 
property; wherefore it is Ordered, That the said Capt, Dickerson be re- 
quired to bring the said Abraham Childers before this House forthwith, to 
answer for the said misbehaviour, and that the said Capt. Dickerson cause 
the said guns to be restored to the said Arthur Moore. 

Resolved, That the vacancies in the second Regiment of Continental 
troops raised in this Province be filled up, and the following persons appoint- 
ed, viz. 

James Gee, Captain, in the room of Capt. Irwin Toole, who has resign- 
ed, and that he rank as 5th Captain. John Heritage, Captain, in tlie room 
of Capt. Simon Bright, resigned, and that he rank as 6th Captain. Philip 
Lowe, first Lieutenant of Capt. John Heritage's Company. Joseph Worth, 
Robert Fenner, Thomas Standings, James Martin, Clement Nash, John 
Ingles, second Lieutenants. John Craddock, Manlove Tarrant, Samuel 
Smith, and William Tocksey, Ensigns. John Ingles appointed Adjutant 
to the second Regiment. 

Prisoners, and Places of Destination. 

Peter Hay, bail 500 1. Robert Gillis, do. 500 1. William Gibbs, en- 
larged, and to give security to the committee of Onslow county in the sum 
of 5001. Conner Dowd, bail 1000 1. William Bourke, parole to North- 
ampton, Darcy Fowler to Duplin, i^lexander McLean to Granville, 
Frazier to Halifax, Thomas Collins to Halifax, William Draper to Bertie, 
William Clarke to Nixonton, John Doak to Orange, with leave of one 
pionth to remove his eftects from Cumberland. Dtincan McNiell, bail. 
Angus Campbell, parole in Guilford, under the care of the Rev. James 
Campbell, with leave of 14 days to remove his eftects. Alexander Stew-. 
art, parole to Granville. James Lowe and Robert Adams, who shot Capt. 
Dent, to Halifax gaol. George Micklejohn, parole in Perquimons, in that 
part of said county on the south side of the river, with leave of 14 days to 
prepare himself. James Hunter, parole in Bute. George Mylne, bail 
2000 1. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

»ii i> e © S4W— 
Saturday, May 4, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Ordered, That Col. Long deliver to Mr. Henry Giftard a certain horse 
belonging to him, which Cudrick McDonald rode to Halifax, with a saddle 
^nd bridle. 

Ordered, That Mr. Samuel Ashe, Mr. Parmele, Mr. Burges, Mr. Gee, 
Mr. Penn, and Mri Hooper, be added to the committee of Enc^uiry. 

Ordered, That Robert Adams, a prisoner now in Halifax gaol, be enlarg- 
ed, on his giving security, in the sum of 50 1. for his good behaviour. 

Mr. Solomon Sheppard has leave of absence. 

Ordered, That Alexander McLean have leave to take his horse, bridle, 
and saddle, now in the possession of Col. Long. 

The committee appointed to take under consideration the better regula- 
^n of theittilitiaoi this Province, reported as follows: 



45 

Having weighed and duly considered the critical and dangerous situa- 
tion we are in, aud that open hostilities are commenced against us at one 
and the same time by our implacable enemies, and their adherents, at eve- 
ry place assailable, are of opinion, that for the better and more eftectual 
defence and protection of the Colony, the militia thereof shall be divided 
into six brigades, viz, one in each district, each bvigade to be under the 
command of a Brigadier General. 

That the militia of every county shall consist of all the effective men from 
16 to 60 years of age, and shall be fornjed into one regiment, under the 
command of a Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, and two Majors, except where 
the Congress have or may appoint two or more regiments in a county, in 
which case such regiment shall be commanded agreeable to the particular 
appointment. Every regiment shall be divided ■: ' companies of not less 
than 50 rank and file, two Serjeants, two corporait, one drummer, and one 
fifer; each company to be under the command of a Captain, Lieutenant and 
Ensign. That every company shall be divided into five divisions, one di- 
vision to consist of all the mqre aged and infirm men, the other four divi- 
sions shall draw lots for the 1st, 2d, 3d and 4th turns to go on service, and 
shall be numbered according to such lots, 

Resolved, That the .., -egoing arrangenient shall iminediately upon nor 
tice hereof be made in ^.v ery county in this Colony by the field and subal- 
tern officers, each in his respective department, That every Captain im- 
mediately upon such arrangement, afterwards every six months, shall re- 
turn a muster roll of his company divided into divisions, and numbered as 
aforesaid, to the commanding ofiicer of the regiment, under pain of forfeit- 
ing 5 1. for every default; and the commanding officers of each regiment 
shall make an exact return from such lists, v/ithin one vv'eek after he shall 
have received the same, to the Brigadier General of the district, under 
pain of forfeiting 50 1, for every default. 

That the commanding officer of every regiment shall, whenever required 
thereto by the Brigadier General of his district, order a general muster at 
the most convnient place in his regiment, under pain of forfeiting 50 I. for 
every default, provided that he shall not call thehi together more than twice 
in one year; and every Captain shall muster and train his company, divi- 
ded into divisions as before directed, once in every month at least, and of- 
tener if directed by the commanding officer, under pain of forfeiting 40 s. 
for every default. And every soldier who shall neglect or refuse to attend 
the general and private musters^ shall be subject to such penalties and fori- 
feitures as are provided by the militia laws in force in this Province. That 
the Brigadier Generals respectively shall return one exact muster roll of 
all the otficers and soldiers of their respective brigades, distinguished into 
their proper companies and divisions, to the executive power which shall be 
established, once every year, and oftener if required, under penalty of 100 1. 
for every default. 

Resolved, That the field officers of every regiment be impowered to em- 
ploy one or more Adjutant or Adjutants to train and discipline the men, 
who shall attend every general and private muster for that purpose; and 
every such Adjutant shall be allowed 10 s. for every muster he shall so at- 
tend. 

Resolved, That each militia soldier shall be furnished with a good gun, 
bayonet, cartouch box, shot bag and powder horn, a cutlass or tomahawjtj 



46 
and wTiercany person sliall appear to the field officers not possessed of suf- 
ficient property to afford such arms and accoutrements, the same shall be 
procured at the public expence, and given to such person upon every mus- 
ter day, and when he shall be ordered to march; and whenever the service 
of mustering or marching shall be concluded, the said arms and accoutre- 
ments shall be restored to the Captain of the company, and by him careful- 
ly preserved for future occasions; and whenever the militia shall be called 
into actual service, they shall be allowed as follows, viz. One baggage wag- 
gon, or two carts, to. every fifty men; ammunition waggons to every brig- 
ade, at the discretion of the Brigadier General; the same rations to men 
and officers as allowed to the Continental army, to be supplied by Com- 
missaries appointed by the Brigadiers, which said Commissaries shall be 
allowed waggons, or carts in proportion, to carry the provisions; one bell 
tent to every company; all necessary intrenching tools; six axes to every 
company; one baggage waggon for the officers of every regiment; a neces- 
sary number of camp kettles; and the pay for officers shall be as established 
by act of Assembly, and soldiers 9-.^. 6d. for each day while in service. 

Besolved, That every Brigadier General shall be allowed the sum of four 
dollars for every day he shall be in actual service, and a waggon for bag- 
gage and stores; that the commanding officer of every regiment shall return 
an account of all expences, disbursements and pay, appurtaining to the 
said regiment, and shall produce as vouchers for sucli account the accounts 
rendered on oath of the Captain of the respective companies, and other per- 
sons expending or disbursing for said reghncnt. 

jResolved^ That there shall be ten Light Horsemen, and no more, to eve- 
ry regiment, to be arrayed in one ou more companies when they shall have 
joined the brigade, at the discretion of the Brigadier CTeneral. 

Rcsohed, That no officer or soldier in the militia service shall be tried 
for any offence against the militia law or the Articles of War, except by a 
Court ISIartial, to consist only of militia officers. 

Resolved, That no brigade, regiuient, company or division of militia 
shall be under command of any but militia officers, except wlsen such mili- 
tia shall be ordered by the civil power to join the Continental troops: in 
which case, the Continental officer of equal, and the militia officer of supe- 
rior denomination, shall command. 

Resolved, That such divisions as shall at any time be called into service, 
shall be formed into companies of 50 men each, with a proportioned number 
of officers, Serjeants, Corporals, Fifers and fh-ummers, and all the officers 
of each regiment shall agree among themselv -s concerning v/hich shall com- 
mand on actual service; but if they cannot ho agree, the commanding offi- 
cer shall cause lots to be drawn, and the officM-on whom such lot shaft fall, 
shall command in their proper rank and dej.artment. 

Resolved, That all persons (except such a^; have or (fo be^r appointments 
or commissions under the authority of the General and Provincial Con- 
gresses, Justices of the Peace, Ministers of some Church re2;ularly called, 
and having the cure of souls, overseers of slaves exceeding five taxablesin 
number, schoolmasters, millers and ferry keejiers) shall be liable to be 
drafted; and all persons so drafted shall be obliged to serve, or find an a- 
ble bodied man in his room, under the penalty of 10 1. 

Resolved, That all the militia laws heretofore in force in this Colony,, 
and not repealed, expired, or discontinued, shall be in force hereafter; ex- 



4r 

cept where other provision is made by the resolves of this Congress, or 
some future legislative autliorit}^ 

The Congress taking the said report into consideration, concurred there- 
with. 

Resolved, That the commanding officers of the brigades of Halifax, Eden- 
ton, Newbern and Wilmington be ordered to detach from their respective 
brigades the number of men voted by this Congress by a resolve of the 2d 
of May instant, to reinforce Brigadier General Moore at Cape Fear, agree- 
able to the said resolve, and the resolves for regulating the militia entered 
into this day. 

Resolved, That John Ashe, Esq. be appointed Brigadier General of the 
militia for the district of Wilmington, Allen Jones, Esq. for the district of 
Halifax, Edward Vail, Esq. for the district of Edenton, Griffith Ruther- 
ford, Esq. for the district of Salisbury, Thomas Person, Esq. for the dis- 
trict of Hillsborough, and W^illiam Bryan, Esq. for the district of New- 
bern. 

Resolved, That each of the Brigadier Generals shall take rank in their 
respective districts. 

Resolved, That Thomas Armstrong be appointed first Lieutenant in Cap^ 
tain John Enloe's company of the American army of the 5th regiment, in 
the room of George Suggj and John Hodges Ensign, in the room of Shad- 
rach Wooten. 

The Congress adjourned till Monday morning, nine o'clock. 

Monday, May G, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

The Secret committee laid before the House extracts of a letter from 
General Moore, and an affidavit respecting the enemies situation. 

Ordered, That the said committee transmit to Major General Lee copies 
of said letter a'.ld affidavit, and give him such further accounts of tlie num- 
ber of militia ordered by this Congress to join General Moore, and the time, 
as near as tliey can ascertain, of their junction. 

Ordered, That the Secretary immediately furnish each of the Brigadier 
Generals with a copy of the resolves of this Congress tor regulating the 
militia, and that the Brigadier General shall immediately issue orders to 
the commanders of the respective regiments belonging to their brigades to 
carr}^ the same into effect with all possible expedition,' and that the Gene- 
rals of the brigades of Halifax, Edenton, Newbern and Wilmington hasten 
by every possible expedition the march of the reinforcements ordered to 
join General Moore: and that Brigadier General Ashe be ordered to take 
command of the said reinforcements upon their arrival in his district, sub- 
ject to the provisions of the militia regulations entered into by this Con- 
gress. 

Resolved, That if the Brigadier General of any brigade shall at any time 
refuse, neglect or delay to obey the orders of the Congress, or any power 
by them appointed, to array and controul the militia, and shall be convict- 
ed thereof by sentence of a Court Martial, he shall forfeit and pay 500 1. 
to the use of this Province, to be disposed of by the Congress thereof,* and 
shall be liable to such further punishment as shall be adjudged by a Court 
Martial, such sentence of further punishment to be suspended until the 
sense of the Congress shall be taken thereon. 



48 

Resolved^ That Christopher Lackey be reinstated second Lieutenant in 
Capt. AVilliam Erinkly's conipanj of the Americiui army in this Province, 
of the 3d regimeiit: and Micajah Little, lately appointed in Capt. Brink- 
ly's company, second Lieutenant in Capt. John Enloe's company of the A- 
merican army, in the 5th regiment. 

Resolved, That Mr. Miller, Mr. Caswell, Mr. William Johnston, Mr. 
Penn, Mr. Samuel Ashe and Mr. Simpson be a committee to consider the 
claims of William Kennanj Commissary of the troops at Cape Fear; and 
also to enquire into what provisions have been purchased on the public ac- 
count, and the most eligible method of disposing thereof. 

Resolved, That Isaac Gregory and Abner Hairison, Esqrs. of Pasquo- 
tank county, and William Ferreby, of Currituck county, or any two of 
them, take into their possession the plantation or plantations the property 
of Thomas jNLo.cknight, and also of James Parker, and the same hire out 
for the most that can be got for them for the ensuing year, and that they 
take care of all utensils thereon^ 

On the petition of Henry Bennet and John Foscue, complaining that they 
have been Ions imprisoned, and no probabilit^'^ of any witness appearing a- 
gainst them, Resolved, That they be adn»itted to bail.- 

Resolvedly That Mr. Caswell, Mr. Thomas Jones and Mr. Coor be a 
committee to enquire what sum of money will be sufficient to carry on the 
military establishment for one year^ with the disbursements necessarily ac- 
cruing thereon, arid report an estimate thereof to the Congress. 

Mr. Josepli Joiies^ one of the members for Pasquotank county, appeared^ 
subscribed the Tt'st^ and took his seat in Congress. 

The committee appointed to enquire into the most practicable way of 
procuring and purifying sulphurj &c. reported as follows: 

That they have been informed there is a large quantity of virgin or fosil 
sulphur at or near the mouth of Little River, in the upper part of Dobbs 
county, and in the county of Bladen^ at or near Peter Lord's^ as well as 
in several other places in the Province; also that there is a large quantity 
of lead ore in the lower part of Johnston county^ at or near the plantation 
of Capt. Nathan Williams, and that lead may be procured at Chiswell's 
mines, in the Colony of Virginia. Your committee therefore recommend 
that George Miller, John Sasser and Benjamin Exum, of Dobbs county^ 
and James Council, Thomas Robinson and Joseph Cain, of Bladen county, 
be impowered to contract with persons to procure and purify, at the public 
expence, such sulpluir as maybe had or found within this Province, which 
contract to be obligatory on the Province; and that the said George Miller, 
John Sasser, Benjamin Exum, James Council, Thomas Robinson and Jo- 
seph Cain, or any tliree of them, draw on the Treasurers, or either of them, 
for such sums of money as may be necessary for the above purposes, so 
that the same does not exceed 1000 I. And as lead ore cannot be procured 
and purified as soon as it may be wanted, your -committee further recom- 
mend that Hugh Montgomery and Matthew Lock, Esqrs. be impowered to 
treat as soon as possible with any person or persons in this Province, or 
the Colony of Virginia, for any quantity of lead, not exceeding 20 tonsj 
and having so contracted, to provide ways and means for the transporting 
the same to the following places, to wit: Two tons to Salisbury, two tons 
to Hillsborough, and the remainder to Johnston Court House; and that the 
Treasurers, or either of them, be impowered to draw on the Continental 



49 
'rreasury tor such sums ot" money as may be necessary for puvchasing tfe 
said lead: and that the said Hugh Montgomery and Matthew Lock be al- 
lo'vved a reasonable sum for their trouble and expence, to be paid by the 
public. 

The House iaking the same into consideration, concurred therewith. 

It appearing to the Congress that Thomas Jones, Esq. rendered this coun- 
' ry very important and essential services in prosecuting suits in behalf of 
ihe Crown, therefore Resolved, That the said Thomas Jones, Esq. be al- 
lowed 73 1. for prosecuting divers criminals ia behalf of the Crown at three 
Courts of Oyer and Terminer held at Edenton, to wit: One in July, 1774, 
-one in January, 1775, and another in July, 1775; that the Treasurers, or 
either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their accounts with 
lie publij;. 

Resolved, That William Amis be appointed Commissary to the third 
regiment of the American army to be raised in this Province, in the room 
of John Webb, resigned. 

Resolved, That Mr. Miller, Mr. William Johnston and Mr. Simpson be 
i<i<led to the committee of Civil Accounts. 

The Congress adjourned till to-moiTow morning, nine o'clock. 

Tuesday, May 7, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Whereas the commanding officers in the late expedition against the To- 
lies thought proper, for the benefit of the service, to cause to be cut down 
and destroyed sundry bridges in the counties of Duplin and Bladen, and 
it appearing to the House that it will be burthensome to the inhabitants of 
those counties to be at the sole expence of rebuilding such bridges; there- 
lore Resolved, That when it shall appear to be necessary and expedient to 
rebuild such bridges, the expence thereof shall be paid by the public. 

Mr. James Williams exhibited his account for acting as attorney for the 
Crown at five Courts of Oyer and Terminer held in this Province, from the 
lOth of June, 1774, to the 10th of June, 1775. 

Resolved, That the said James Williams be allowed th« sum of 50 1. for 
prosecuting in behalf of the Crown in the said Courts of Oyer and Termin- 
er; that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allow- 
ed in their accounts with the public. 

Resolved, That Mr. Ebenezer Folsome be allowed 100 1. for his vigi- 
lance, and the important services rendered this country in the late insur- 
rection, the Congress considering the said sum not as an, adequate reward 
for his spirit and activity, but as a mark of his country's confidence and ap- 
probation; that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same. 

Resolved, That Mr. Nash, Mr. Burke, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Whitmell Hill 
and Mr. Coor be a committee to enquire of ways and means the most pro- 
bable to prevent the desertion of slaves. 

Resolved, That 100 Light Cavalry, and 200 Infantry, be ordered imme- 
diately to Cross Creek, to be under the command of Lieutenant Colonel 
Folsome, until further orders. 

That the said horsemen be immediately raised from the militia in Cum- 
berland, and the adjacent countiefs, who will voluntarily serve; and the 
footmen be drafted from the brigades of Salisbury and Hillsborough, by e- 

' 7 



(ju.il |jio[>oriiuiis tVoiu eiici; regiment, unless a suiiicient niunber wlli iinme-: 
diately enter the service as volunteers. 

Ordered, That two sets of blank commissions issue for the companies of 
Light Horse, to be filled up by Col. Folsome. 

Resolved., That GOOO 1. be paid into the hiuids of the delegates for the 
county of Bladen, and by tlieni paid to the (►llicers and soldiers of the mili- 
tia of said county now in service of the Province, in -part of their pay, wh.o 
have not had time to lay their accounts before the ])ublic; that the Treasur- 
ers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their accounts 
with the public; and tliat the said delegates give bond and security to ac- 
count for the same. 

Jiesolvedi That 15001. be paid into tl»c hands of the delegates for the 
county of Duplin, and by them paid to the officers and soldiers of the mili- 
tia of said county now in service of the Province^ in part of their wages f(H- 
their services on the late expedition to Cape Fear; iliat the Treasurers, or 
either of them, pay the same, and be allowed in their accounts; and that 
the sai:l delegates give bond witli security to ac;count for the same. 

lii'-.-jolvcd, i'liat 850 w t. of powder be sent to tlie district of Salisbury, to 
fhecrtie of the Pjrigadier General of that district. 

Resolved, That 400 wt. of powder be sent to the district of Hillsborough., 
to the care of the Biigadier General of that district. 

Resolved, That the field officers in every battalion of the Continental 
troops be impowered to employ an annourer for such battalion, and that 
such armourer be allowed the pay of one dollar a!>d a (juarter of a dollar 
per day, and one ration. 

Resolved, That Ebeue/.or Folsonvc be appointed Colonel of the militia 
in the county of Ciiraberland, in the room of Alexander ^IcAlister, resign- 
ed, David Smith, Lieutenant Colonel, Philip Alston, 1st Major, and John 
Armstrong, 2d jVIajoi', in the same county. 

Resolved, That ^Ir. Burke, Mr. Webb and Mr. Penn be a committee to 
report on Mr. Cooper's petition. 

Resolved, That William Rand take into his possession, whei-ever they 
may be found, all the records and papers belonging and appurtaining to 
Ihe clerk and register's offices in the county of Cumberland. 

Ordered, That Col. Long deliver to William Jones, who lately came 
express to this Congress, one of the Tory hoi ses in his possession. 

Resolved, That the managers of the furnace directed to be hired in Chat- 
ham county, or purchased in Guilford county, for the public use, take un- 
der care for that service the whole of the Negroes lately brought by ordej- 
of the Congress from the counties of Pasquotank and Currituck, belonging 
Id the estates of Thomas Macknight, James Parker and Robert Gilmore, 
and make the best of them in that employment for the benefit of the public; 
and that the commissioners render to next Congress a disposition of such 
slaves, with an account of expenditures, upon oath; and that the commis- 
sioners give a receipt for such Negroes. 

Resolved, That William Glover be appointed Captain in the 6th regi- 
ment of foot of the American army to be raised in this Province, in the 
room of Jesse Saunders, resigned: and John Owens, 1st Lieut, in the room 
of William Glover, advanced; John Hart, ild Lieutenant, in the room of 
Fje^sant Henderson, resigned; and K?dar Parker, iutberoom of Thomas 



51 
tkant. icsi;^!icd; all of ihe Cth regiment, in Capt. William Gloyei-^s com- 

The Conj^ress a(ljoiirne<l till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock, 

Wedxesdav, May 8, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, Tiiat each of the late Paymasters to the troops in tliis Province 
be allowed two and a half per cent, on all monies received and paid away 
to such troops, as a compensation for their trouble and expences. 

Resolved, I'hat Henry Giftard be appointed Commissary to the militia 
fo be stationed at Cross Creek. 

Resolved, Tiiat Chapel Gee be appointed Commissary to the militia for 
the district of Halifax, and that either of the Treasurers pay him 2G0 1. to 
enable him to purchase provisions for the present, he first entering into 
bond to account for the same, and be allowed in their accounts with the 
public. 

On motion. Resolved, That Mr. Council, Mr. Burke, Mr. Rutherford 
and Mr. Lock be a committee to enquire concerning the salt taken on ac- 
count of the publicat Cross Creek, and make report. 

Resolved, That the present Paymaster pay up all bick arrears due to the 
two first regiments in this Province. 

The committee to enquire of ways and means the most probable to pre- 
vent the desertion of slaves, reported as follows, to wit: 

Your committee report, that in their opinion it is expedient to recommend 
it to all masters and owners of slaves on the south side of Cape Fear River 
to remove such male slaves as are capable of bearing arms, or otherwise as- 
sisting the enemy, into the country, remote from the Sea; and that the 
commanding officer on that station be impowered to remove all such slavei 
as are above described to such distance as he shall think safe, in case he 
perceives a necessity for such movement, and that the recommendation 
here suggested should not be properly attended to. 

The Congress taking the same into consideration, concurred therewith. 

The committee for taking into consideration the petition of Wills Coop- 
<ir, reported as follows: 

That it appears to them that the said Benjamin Arundel is indebted to 
the petitioner 184 1. 10 s. 9 d. Virginia money, balance of a bond, with in- 
terest from the 22d of October, 1774, and also 591. 6 s. 2d. like money, 
balance of an account; that the said Benjamin Arundel has absconded 
from this Colony, and left some property in the county of Wake; that the 
petitioner's prayer to be allowed some remedy for securing the said effects 
from being removed or wasted, is reasonable; and your committee humbly 
recommend that trustees be appointed to take the same into their care, that 
they may be preserved for payment'of the petitioner, and any other credit 
tors of the said Benjamin Arundel, who shall establish their claims in such 
manner as shall be provided by any ordinance in this Colony. Provided 
nevertheless, that the said Benjamin Arundel be at liberty to replevy any 
part of his estate so seized or taken, on his giving bond and approved secu-- 
rity to trustees for the payment of all debts that shall be adjudged against 
him, and accruing costs. 

The House taking the same into consideration, concurred therewith/ 

Resolved, That Michael Rogers and John Hinto», jun. be appointed 



52 
trustees to take into their possession the estate of the said Benjamin Arun- 
del, and preserve the same till further orders from (his CoDgress. 

Resolved, That Mr. John Wobb, 'Heretofore appointed to purchase arms 
for this Province, do deliver all the arms by him purchased to Col. Jcthro 
Sumner, for the use of the soldiers of the 3d regiment under his command, 
and that Mr. Webb take Col. Sumner's receipt for the same. 

Resolved, That Edward Yarbrouj^h be appointed Ensign in Capt. Jacob 
Turner's company of Foot in the American army, of the 3d regiment, in 
the room of Benjamin Morgan, resigned. 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay into the hands of 
William Kennon, Esquire, Commissary to the 1st regiment, 20001. that 
he enter into bond with security faithfully to account for the same, and be 
allowed in their accounts with the public. \ 

The chairman of the committee of Claims reported that Col. Joseph 
Taylor was allowed 662 1. 4 s. 2 d. for the services of the Granville regi- 
ment of militia; Col. Charles Eaton, 169 1. 6 s. 9d. for services of the 
Granville Light Horse; Bennet Crafton, 23 1. 12 s. for services as Adju- 
tant of the militia in Granville county; and Peter Dauge, 84 1. 8 s. 6 d. for 
bringing up Macknight's Negroes, and for handculls. 
^ The Ilouse considering the same, concurred therewith. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

— "•>»e ©*<«•— 
Thuusday, May 9, 1776. 
] The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Mr. Samuel Smith, one of the delegates for the county of Johnston, ajj' 
peared, subscribed the Test, and tooK his seat in Congress. 

The chairman of the committee of Claims reported that Philemon Haw • 
kins was allowed for the services of his regiment of militia on late Curri- 
tuck expedition, and against the insurgents, the sum of 332 1. 2 s. 7 d. 

The House considering the same, concurred therewith. 

Resolved, That Mr. John Campbell, Mr. John Cowper, Mr. William 
Johnston, Mr. Joseph Jones, Mr. George Miller, Mr. Richard Caswell and 
Mr. Thomas Jones, be a committee to examine the invoices and papers laid 
before this House by Mr. John W. Stanly, and make report thereon. 

The committee to enquire concerning the salt taken on account of the 
public at Cross creek, reported as follows: Youi committee having consi- 
dered the matter referred to them, are of opinion that the proprietors ought 
to be allowed 6 s. 8 d. for each bushel of the salt taken at Cross creek on 
the public account, which opinion is hunibly submitted to the Congress. 

The House considering the same, concurred therewith. 

Resolved, That 1 500 1. be paid into the hands of the Delegates for the 
county of Mecklenburg, and by them paid to the officers and soldiers of 
the militia of said county, now in service of the Province, in part of their 
pay, who have not had time to lay their accounts before the public; that the 
Treasurers, or either of them, pay them the same, and be allowed in their 
accounts with the public; and that the said Delegates give bond and secu- 
rity to account for the same. 

Abraham Childers was brought before this Congress, pursuant to a former 
order, who was examined and discharged. 

Resolved, That Arthur Moore, of Orange county, be allowed 56 1. for 
seven rifle guns whkh Cornet Abraham Cnilders purchased of him for the 



•;neof the lighulrao-oons uiidcn the cominiiiKl ol' Capt. Dickerson; that the 
Treasurers, or either of tliem, pay him t!ie same, and be allowed in their 
accounts with the public. 

liesolved, That James McKinnie be reinstated Ensign in Simon Alder- 
son's company in the oth regiment of the American army, in the room of 
Thomas Alderson, lately appointed by this Congress. 

Resolved^ TtiatMr. Caswell, Mr. Thomais Jones, Mr. Burke, Mr. 
Lock, and Mr-iRutbierford, be a committee to prepare and bring in a plan 
for the more conveniently paying tlie militia who have or may serve in this 
Colony, and for, adjudging and paying all expences incident to the militia 
when in actual service. .^^. 

Resolved, That a committee of the whole House be appointed to examine 
the proceedings of the late Provincial Council, to meet at the Court-House 
as soon as this House rises, and that such members attend as can conveai- 
entl3^ 

Resolvcdy That an artillery company, to consist of 50 men (officers ex- 
eluded) be raised in this Province, under the command of Capt. John 
Vance, and ordered immediately to join General Moore; and that James 
jjradly be appointed 1st Lieutenant, John Allen 2d Lieutenant, and John 
Kingsberry Ensign; and that the officers and privates of that company be 
allowed the same pay as allowed in the artillery service on the Continental 
establishment, and also the same allowance, bounty, and advance, as other, 
troops raised in this Province. 

Resolved, That Allen Jones and Thomas Jones, Esquires, two of the de- 
legates of this Congress, be appointed to attend the Convention of the Co- 
lony of Virginia, for the purpose of recommending to them the expedien- 
cy of fitting out two armed vessels at the expence of that Colony, to act in 
conjunction with the armed vessels already fitted out by this Colony, for 
the protection of the trade at Occacock; and that they be allowed SO s. 
per day while on that service, and that the Treasurers, or either of them, 
advance 40 1. to each, to be aftei-wards accounted for. 

Resolved, That Mr. Thomas Jones, Mr. Joseph Jones, and Mr. Thomas 
Boyd, be a committee to enquire into the proofs of the necessity of placing 
the estate of Robert Murden into the hands of commissioners, for the pur- 
pose of securing his creditors, the said Robert Murden being said to have 
absconded this Colony, and joined Lord Dunmore, and make report there- 
of. 

Resolved, That the sum of 500,000 1. (including 100,000 1. already 
voted) be emitted in paper bills of credit, for the purpose of defraying all 
the expences of armaments, bounties, and other contingencies, that shall 
occur in this Colony during the recess of the Congress; and that the bills 
for the additional 400,000 1. be of the following denomination, viz. 



5000 bills, 


of 20 dolls. 


each, 100000 


20000 bills, of 3 dt^lls. 


each, 60000 


5000 do. 


15 do. 


75000 


20000 do. 2 do. 


40000 


10000 do. 


5 do. 


50000 


40000 do. 1 do. 


40000 


20000 do. 


10 do. 


200000 


80000 do. . 1-2 do. 


40000 


20000 do. 


8 do. 


160000 


80000 do. 1-4 do. 


20000 


20000 do. 


6 do. 


120000 


80000 do. 1-8 do. 


. 10000 


20000 do. 


4 dor 


80000 


80000 do. 1-16 do. 


5000 




500000 bills-, doll 


ars 1000000 










£400000 



54 

TiesoJved, That this Province be pledged for the ledciuption of the saiii 
bills of credit by a poll tax, to coinmence in the year 1780, and continue 
for 20 years afterwards, unless otherwise provided by some future Congress, 
or competent power in this Colony, 

liesolved. That any person or persons wlm shall attempt to depreciate 
the said bills of credit, by refusing to receive the same in, payment of any 
debt or contract, or by speaking or writing with intention to lessen their 
credit and currency, shall be considered as inimical to America; and that 
any person or persons w ho shall counterfeit, alter, or deface, or directly or 
indirectly utter, pass, pay or circulate, a^y bill or bills, counterfeited, al- 
tered, or defaced, knowing the same to bft"||0, shall be liable to such pro- 
ceedings and penalties as are provided by a resolve of the Congress held at 
Hillsborough on the silst day of August, 177o, for preventing the like a- 
buse with relation to bills of credit emitted by the said Congress. 

Jiesolvcd, That Thomas Benbury, John Kinchen, John Johnston, and 
Memucan Hunt, Ksqrs. or the survivor or survivors of them, be commis- 
sioners for employing proper persons to engrave the plates for the said bills, 
under the same regulations as are directed by a resolve of this Congress, 
passed on the 2i2d of April last: and that William Haywood, John Webb, 
William Williams, and David Sumner, Esqrs. be commissioners for the 
purpose of signing the said bills of credit, under the like regulations as 
provided by the resolve aforesaid. 

The Congress adjourned till to-mnrrow nioining, nine o'clock. 

—••>♦»©«"•— 
^Fridav, May 10, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That Capt. John Chace be allowed the further sum of 30 1. 
for gunpowder received from him by the committee of Perquimons county; 
that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed 
in their accounts with the public. 

Resolved, That the executors or administrators of Joseph Montfort, Esq. 
deceased, late Treasurer, be directed to appear at the sitting of the next 
t'ongress, to adjust and settle his account with the public. 

Resolved, That Charles Maloy, Colin Campbell, and James McEachen, 
be allowed 6 1. each, for their attendance as evidences at this Congress a- 
gainst sundry persons suspected of being inimical to the rights of Ame- 
rica. 

Whereasjt is represented to this Congress that the militia service will 
be greatly delayed in the county of Pasquotank, unless advance money be 
paid to such as are induced into the army, arismg from the necessity the 
inhabitants of the said county were under in the purchase of coin, and o- 
ther provisions, the same being almost totally destroyed by a storm on the 
2d day of September last, the notoriety of which this Congress being sensi- 
ble of; do resolve, That the sum of 40 s. be advanced to each of the mili- 
tia of Pasquotank, who shall either enter the service as volunteers, or arc 
drafted, to reinforce the army under the general officer of the Colony; and 
that the Treasurer pay to the delegates of the said county the sum of 150 1. 
to be delivered to Col. Peter Dauge, to be advanced to the soldiers now to 
be raised, who sha^l on the receipt thereof give bond, with good security, 
for the due application of the said money, to answer the pnrpose of this «g- 
solution. 



55 

Resi/ivCiU 'rh;it no officer or soldier of the militia or regulars in this Co^- 
Ion V shall press any waggon or waggons, horse or horses, arms, or other 
things, ot" any nature whatsoever, unless authorized thereto by warrants, 
under the hands and seals of two of the members of the committee of the 
town or county wl^ere such press shall be necessary, which committee 
members shall not be themselves officers; and every officer or soldier, be- 
fore he shall presume to press any thing as before mentioned, shall de- 
mand the saire peaceably from the owner or possessor thereof, and in case 
of refusal, shall produce the warrant aforesaiil before he proceeds to press* 
And every officer or soldier who shall oftend against this resolve, shall for- 
feit and pay 10 1. for every such offence to the person injured, and be more- 
over liable to the action or actions of the party grieved, to be recovered 
before any jurisdiction which shall have cognizance thereof; and every 
iiorse, waggon, or thing, so pressed, shall be valued by three indifferent 
persons, upon oath, and certificate thereof given by sucii valuers to the 
owner or possessor from whom the same shall be pressed, in order that if 
the same shall not be restored to such owner or possessor, he may be allow- 
ed the valuation by the public. 

Resolved, That the above resolve be published in all the gazettes of this 
Province for three months. 

Resolved^ That Nathaniel Hochcster, Esq. be appointed Deputy Com* 
rnissary General of milit^.ry and oilser stores in this Colony for the use of 
the Contiitental army, and that he be allowed the same allowance as pro- 
vided by the Continental Congress for such officer, and tiiat he give secu- 
rity in 10,000 1. for the faithful discharge of the trust reposed in him. 

Resolved, That Julin Pendleton take into his possession a certain negro 
girl called Nan, he having suggested to this Congress that Mr. Thoma.^ 
Macknight, vvho hath absconded this Colo'iy, had only a Jjroperty to one 
half of the said negro, and that the property to the other half is in the said 
John Pendleton, upon his entering into bond, with good security, to his 
honour the President, in liie sum of 140 I. coriditioned to be answerable for 
the value of said negro and her yearly hire, when hcreaf"ter demanded, and 
make his title to tiic said one half of said negro appear, before such judica 
ture as may hereafter be appointed to determine all such cases. 

Resolved, That William Heath be allowed 12 1. for a horse px'essed from 
him, and delivered to Capt. Nathaniel Kcais, of the second regiment; that 
the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in 
their accounts with the public. 

Resolved, That the commissioners for employing artificers to strike 
300,0001. in bills of credit, be impowered to apply to the delegates of thid 
Colony, or either of them, in the Continental Congress, to purchase pa- 
per for the bills of credit voted by this Congress to be emitted, to send the 
same to this Colony with all possible expedition; and that they, or either of 
them, apply to the Continental Treasury for the money necessary for such 
purpose, for and on account of this Colony: and that the said commissioners 
be also impowered to purchase any paper or other materials necessary for 
such emission in this or the adjacent Colonies, and that they be allowed all 
expenditures in this behalf made, to be paid by the Treasurers, or either of 
them, on being allowed by such power as shall be appointed in the recess 
of the Congress. 

Resolved, That the Deputy Commissary General of military and other 



Stores, ileliver out, in equal proportions, all the osnabrigs, Butcli stripes, 
romals, check, &:c. puichased for tlie use of the Continental troops raiseH 
in this Province, to the Colonels of the respective regiments, taking their 
receipts for the same. 

The committee appointed to examine the invoices and papers laid befor'- 
the House by Mr. Jolm W. Staidy, report that they have examined the said 
invoices and papers, whereby it appears to your committee that Mr. Stanly 
hath charged the public 20 per cent, on 1660 1. S s. 7d. amounting to 
352 1. for risk and trouble on the importation of sundry goods and mer- 
chandizes in the said invoices mentioned, when in fact the risk was Mess. 
Isaac Vanbibber and Company's, and a commission charged by Mr. Stanly 
to them for sales of the said goods; and the allowance of 20 per cent, by 
the Congress was intended to be made to the adventurer, and of course 
ought to go to the credit of Vanbibber and Co. which when so applied, and 
a proper state of the accounts betv.een Mr. Stanly and Mess. Vanbibber 
and Co. is adverted to, it will be found that a balance of 43 1. 14 s. 7 d. is 
due from Mr. Stanly to Mess. Vanbibber and Co. after the sum expressed 
In a note passed by Mr. McKim to Mr. Stanly is deducted, and that he 
ought in justice to pay them the same. 

The House taking the same into consideration, ResolvccU That the said 
report be concurred with, and that Mr. James Green, in wjiosc hand? 
'he said note was lodged, deliver up the same to Mr. McKini. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight n'cln'k. 

— »>»9©e«'—- 
Saturday, May 11, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That the militia now to be drafted from the districts of Hali 
fax, Edenton, Newborn, and Wilmington, shall not be obliged to serve 
longer than three months from the time of their inlistment. 

Resolved, That Peter Dague be appointed Colonel, Drury Gee, Lieute- 
nant Colonel, James Hogan, 1st Major, and George Wynn, 2d Major, to 
-ommand that part of the militia to be drafted from the district of Eden- 
ton and Halifax: and that John Tillman be appointed 2d Major of the mi- 
litia to be drafted from the districts of Newborn and Wilmington. 

Ordered, That the Rev. John Mclieoud. who was brought to this Con- 
2;rcss on suspicion of his having acted inimical to the rights of America, br 
discharged from his further attendance. 

Resolved, That Mr. President, Mess. John Green and David Barron, and 
all other persons, deliver the stores in their possession belonging to this 
Province to the Deputy Commissary General of military and other Stores, 
taking his receipt for the same. 

Resolved^ That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay Nathaniel Roches- 
ter, Esq. Deputy Commissary, a sum, not exceeding 1000 1. to enable hini 
to hire waggons, Sec. to rem.ove the stores, and that they be allowed the 
same in their accounts with the public. ^ 

Ordered, That Angus Campbell's parole to Cumberland be enlarged for 
one month before he goes to Granville. 

Resolved, That Mr. Robert Rowan and Mr. Peter Mallett be directed to 
deliver the remaining part of the 3500 bushels of salt, contracted for at 
Cross creek by the different counties, to the different trustees appointed for 
that purpose. 



37 
H^^solvedy That each of the Treasurers, the Paymaster, and the Cctti- 
missary of Stores, be furnished with a blank book, of those imported into 
Halifax by the late Governor Martin. 

Resolved, That Mr. President, Mr. Caswell, Mr. Willie Jones, Mi% 
Alexander Telfair, and Mr. Archibald Hamilton, be appointed a commit- 
tee to state the accounts of this Province with the United Colonies for th6 
expenditures since the commencement of hostilities between Great Britain 
and the Colonies, and to transmit the same, certified under their hands, or 
the hands of a majority of them, to the Continental Congress. 

Resolved, That Henry Giliard, Commissary of the militia to be station- 
ed at Cross Creek, enter into bond, in the sum of 1000 1. for the faithful 
discharge of that office, and to account for all such monies that shall come 
to his hands; and that the Tresurers, or either of them, pay him 200 1. and 
be allowed in their accounts with thepublic*. 

Whereas it appears to this Congress that the conduct of Felix Kenan, 
Sheriff of Duplin county, hath been inimical to the liberties of America, 
and tliereby rendered himself truly unworthy to execute any longer the 
trust and confidence reposed in him by his appointment as ShefiiF; and 
whereas the said Felix hath received considerable sums of public money, 
and hath not accounted for the same, Resolved, That the said Felix Kenan 
be, and hereby is suspended from the office of Sheriif of the said county of 
Duplin. Resolved further >, That the said Felix Kenan do within one month 
after the passing hereof, return an exact account, on oath, of all such pub- 
lic mo'aies as he sliall have collected from the inhabitants of the said coun- 
ty, and pay the same into the hands of the Public Treasurer of the South- 
ern district of this Province. 

Jesse Goodwin, a soldier in the service of this Colony, having been dan- 
gerously wounded, and rendered incapable for some time to come to get a 
subsistance by his labor, Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, 
pay to the said Jesse Goodwin the sum of 28 1. and be allowed in their ac- 
counts with the public. 

Read the petition of Mr. Joseph Jones, Joshua Campbell, James Fere- 
bee, and William Burges, of Pasquotank county, praying relief, &c. Re- 
solved, That Mr. Allen Jones, Mr. John Cowper, Mr. Thomas Burke, and 
Mr. Thomas Jones, be appointed a committee to consider, hear testimony, 
and make report of and concerning the facts set forth in the above peti- 
tion. 

Resolved, That Mr. John Bradford, Mr. Willis Alston, Mr. Benjamin 
McCulloch, and Mr. Green Hill be appointed commissioners for signing 
the bills of credit directed by this Congress to be emitted, in addition to 
those heretofore appointed: and that they be under the same rules and re- 
gulations for their conduct, and intitled to the same allowance, as the 
commissioners formerly appointed. 

_ Resolved, That the Commissary of Stores deliver out to the commis- 
sioners of the armed vessels belonging to this Province, in the districts of 
Edenton, Newbern, and Wilmington, such stores as the said commission- 
ers shall apply for, necessary for fitting the said vessels; and also six bolts 
of osnabrigs, and 36 pieces of checks or striped linen, for cloathing the 
seamen belonging to the said vessels. 

Resolved, That the Commissary of Stores be impowered to purchase 
eoarse linens, and other necessary cloathing for the armyj and th^t he be 

8 



58 
aillowcd and paid for the same, with all necessary expenccs, by tlic Trea- 
surers, or cither of them, when passed by the executive power of govern- 
ment. ^_^. — 

Whereas it appears, by the report of the committee of' Accounts, that 
there is at this time in the hands of Matthew liOck, Esfi. the^nm of 2986 1. 
13 s. 9 d. halfpenny, belonging.'; to the public; it is therefore Resolved, That 
the said Matthew Lock do pay unto such of the soldiers wlio inlisted with 
Col. Alexander Martin in the second regiment, and who actually served 
the lull time of their inlistment, or at least six months thereof, and now 
discharged, the. sum of 40 s. each as a bounty, the same never having been 
paid them; and that Mr. Lock also pay oft" all arrears to those soldiers, and 
who arc now in the counties of Rov;an, Surry, Guilford and Anson; and 
that the soldiers now in actual service with Col. Martin at Cape Fear, be 
paid their bounty money and arrears by the Paymaster General, and the 
balance remaining be paid by the said Matthew Lock to the militia officers 
and soldiers in Rowan county. 

On motion, licsolvsd, The House resolve itself into a committee of the 
whole, to take into consideration a civil temporary Constitution. 

The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole House accord- 
ingly, and chose John Campbell, Esq. Chairman; and after some time spent 
therein, came to sundry resolutions. Then, on motion, Mr. Presidentre- 
sumed the Chair, and Mr. Chairman reported as follows, to wit: 

Resolved^ That this Congress choose by ballot one person, and each dis- 
trict two persons, who shall serve as a Council of Safety for this Colony 
Irom the end of this session until the meeting of the next Congress; and 
that no person holding any military office from which he receives or expects 
^ofit, nor any person holding a lucrative office under any military com- 
manders in particular, or the army in general, shall be capable to act as a 
member of the said council, officei-s and commanders of the militia only 
excepted. 

Resolved, That from the end of this present session, for and during the 
time aforesaid, the said Council of Safety, or a majority of them, shall be 
vested with full power and authority to do and execute all acts and things 
necessary for the defence and protection of the people of this Colony; pro- 
vided that their power shall not extend to alter, suspend, or abrogate any 
resolution of this or any former Congress, or to emit any bills of credit, or 
levy any taxes on the people, or impose any duties or imposts on goods or 
merchandize to be imported or exported, or give orders to draw on the 
Continental Ti-easury, or to erect any office or offices, courts or jurisdic- 
tions, or to try, adjudge, or condemn, any person or persons, for any of- 
fence civil or criminal, except where expressly permitted by resolve of this 
Congress. 

Resolved, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to extend to 
prevent the said Council of Safety from examining and committing any 
person or persons who may be accused on oath of practices inimical to A^ 
merica, or to restrain any person or persons from departing this Colony by 
Sea. 

Re$olved, That the said Council of Safety be impowered to direct the 
treasurers of this Colony, on any urgent exigency, to draw on the Conti- 
ental Treasury, on the account and credit of this Colony, for any sums 
Bot exceeding 30,000 1. ia the whole. 



52: 

Kcsoix)cdy I'hat the ('onncijol" Safety have full power and authority te 
establish Courts of Admiralty at the ports of Edenton, Bath, Newborn and 
Wilmington, and to appoint a Judge at each of the said ports, to sit, hear 
and determine all maritime matters cognizable in Courts of Admiralty, 
and to authorise and impower the Judges so to be appointed to nominate 
and appoint one Register and one Marshal at each of the said ports, and 
all other oilicers necessary for the purpose of carrying into execution the 
determinations and decrees of the said courts; and that all the proceed- 
ings, determinfvtions and decrees of the said Courts of Admiralty shall be 
consonant and agreeable to the rules and regulations laid down by the Con- 
tinental Congress^ and that the Judges, and other ofiicers of the said courts, 
shall take such fees only as are directed to be taken by the laws of this 
Province; and that each and every juryman attending the said. courts, shall 
be intitled to the same allowances as directed by the last Jury law. 

Resolved^ That the Council of Safety have full power and authority to 
nominate and appoint commissioners at each of the ports of Currituck, 
Roanoke, Bath, Beaufort and Brunswick, ibr the purpose of taking bonds 
and granting certificates to masters of vessels about to depart the said 
ports, in order that the rules and regulations prescribed by the Contineatal. 
and this Congress may be fully observed and carried into execution. 

Resolved, That the Qualification and Test taken by the Congress shall/ 
also be taken by the members of the Council of Safety, before they be al- 
lowed to act.. 

Resolved, That tlie Provincial Council, and the Committees of Safety for 
each district, be, and they are hereby dissolved. 

Resolved, That all matters heretofore had or taken cognizance of by the 
late Provincial Council, or the several late Committees of Safety of this 
Province, and undetermined, with all the proceeding' thereon, shall be laid- 
before, and taken cognizance of by the Council of Safety. 

Resolved, That the Council of Safety shall sit from day to day, at sttch, 
convenient place or places as they may think prudent and proper, for the 
transaction of business, and shall receive for each day's travelling and 
attendance the sum of 20 s. Proc. money, and be paid the necessary fer- 
riages. 

Tlie House taking the same, into consideration, concurred therewith. 

Whereas a number of claims against this Province, for services done and' 

fierformed against the Highlanders and Regulators, in consequence of their 
ate insurrectior., -emain unsettled^ Resolved, That the Council of Safety 
be impowered to r djust, settle, and allov/ the same, and all other matters 
relating to the expences of the army heretofore had or incurred. . 

The House proceeded to make choice of one, and the districts of twelve 
proper persons, to compose the Council of Safety of this Province, when 
the following were agreed upon, viz. Willie Jones, Esq. for the Congress. 
James Coor and John Simp&on, Esqrs. for the district of NewberH. Tho- 
mas Jones and Whitmell Hill, Esqrs. for the district of Edenton. Tho- 
mas Eaton and Joseph John Williams, Esqrs. for the district of Halifax. 
Cornelius Harnett and Samuel Ashe, Esqrs. for the district of Wilming- 
ton. Thomas Person and John Rand, Esqrs. for the district of Hillsbo- 
rough. Hezekiah Alexander and William Sharpe, Esqrs. for the district 
of Salisbury, 
Resolved, That the said Council shall vote by districts. 



60 

The committee appointed to prepare and bring in a plan for the more con- 
Ycniently paying the militia who have or may serve in this Colony, and for 
adjudging and paying all cxpenccs incident to the militia when in actual 
service, report that your pommittee are of opinion that one waggon mas- 
ter should be appointed by the field officers of every battalion, when en- 
tering on actual service, subject to be removed or rejected by the Briga- 
dier General. That the Commissaries should every morning make a re- 
turn to the waggon master of the provisions, which the waggon master hav- 
ing examined and compared, ought to return, signed and certified to the 
commanding offiicer. That the waggon master should attend, as his special 
duty, to the arrangement of the waggons, taking care that every morning 
no more begin the march than one for every ton vveight of provisions, ex- 
cept where there may be half a ton or upwards over and above what will 
make a ton for every waggon but one, in which case the one waggon should 
be kept in service until so much is consumed as to reduce it below half a 
ton; and in all cases where the quantity over a ton for each waggon is less 
than half a ton, the overplus ought to be distributed into the other waggons 
as equally as may be. That every morning all the empty waggons be dis- 
charged, each waggon having first obtained a certificate from the waggon 
master, setting forth the number of days it had been in service, and the 
place where discharged, and the distance to return. Th.at for every twen- 
ty miles of such return distance, each waggon be allowed 20 s. for every 
day's pay. That every waggon master be allowed the pay and rations of a 
Major. 

Your committee r.'e further of opinion, that one Paymaster should be 
appointed for every militia brigade, and allowed a commission of two and 
a half per cent, on all monies he shall pay away. That once in every 
month (or at the end of an expedition, if the same shall not continue a 
month) the commanding oflicer of each battalion shall cause to be made 
out a pay roll of his battalion, setting forth the number of days each oflicer 
and soldier has been in actual service under his command, each company 
to be in a separate list, and proved by the oath of the Captain, or next 
commanding officer; which pay roll the said commanding officer shall cause 
to be delivered to the Paymaster of his brigade, signed by such command- 
ing officer; and the Paymaster shall pay to the Captain of every company 
the pay which shall appear due to such company by the pay roll, and eve-. 
ry officer the pay which shall appear due to him. And every waggoner 
should be entitled to receive from such Paymaster all the pay which shall 
j^ppear due to him by the Waggon Master's certificate. 

The House taking the same into consideration, concurred therewith. 

The Congress adjourned till Monday morning, ten o'clock. 

-»••>>«©©«•— 
Monday, May 13, 1776. 

The Congress met according to adjournment. 

liesolved, That when any person shall be suspected of a design to remove 
himself or his property out of this Colony, and affidavit shall be made be- 
fore any member of the county committee where the person suspected shall 
reside, the said ijkember of committee shall issue a warrant to some officer, 
who shall be indifterent in point of interest, to bring the said suspected 
person before the committee of the county at the next meeting; and such 
officer is hereby impowcred and required to take security, in such sum as 



61 
tiie commiUee man shall dire<;t, by endorsement on the back of his warra 
to appear before the said committee at the next succeeding meetingj a 
in case such suspected person shall not eivc such security, the officer shaVr 
commit him. And when such suspected person shall appear, or be brought 
before the committee, they shall examine into the proofs and allegationsj 
and if it shall appear to them that such suspicion is well founded, they 
shall order that he give security to answer whatever claim or claims may 
be made appear against him, or stand further committed. And where any 
person shall have actually absconded out of this Colony, or so conceals 
himself, or makes resistance, that he cannot be brought before the commit- 
tee, and the same shall be made appear by affidavit to the satisfaction of 
one or more committee nven, such committee man shall issue a warrant to 
some sufficient person, not being interested, to take possession of all, or 
go much of the eftects of such absconding person, as shall be sufficient to 
satisfy the demands of any creditor or creditors who shall apply and make 
oath of such demands j provided that the said effects shall not be subject to 
be sold, or otherwise disposed of, until judgment shall be obtained in some 
court of justice hereafter to be established. 

/ In committee of Secrecy^ War and Correspondence. 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Congress to allow Mrs. Eal- 
beck the sum of 5 I. for the use of a room, candles, fire, &c. for this com- 
mittee. 

The House concurred therewith. 

Resolved, That the following persons be discharged from their further 
attendance on Congress, to wit: Hugh McDonald, John McDonald, Daniel 
Cameron, James McDonald and Daniel McLean. 

Whereas it has been thought necessary to fit out three armed vessels, for 
the protection of the trade of this Province, Resolved, That the following 
sums be paid the officers and seamen employed on board the said vessels 
by the month, to wit: Captain 10 1. wages, and 4 1. for table. Lieutenant 
8 I. Master 8 I. Mate 51. 15 s. Doctor 8 1. Boatswain 5 1. Gunner 5 1. Car- 
penter 5 I. Clerk 5 1. Armourer 4 1. 10 s. Cooper 4 1. 10 1. Captain of Ma- 
rines 8 I. Marines 2 1. 13 s. 4 d. Seamen compleat 4 1. Seamen not com- 
pleat 3 I. That all other officers on board vessels of equal force and bur- 
then, the same regulations and pay as by Continental establishment. 

Resolved, That the following persons be appointed Paymasters to the 
militia, viz. Mr. William Green for the district of Halifax, Mr. Matthew 
Lock for the district of Salisbury, Mr. James Council for the district of 
Wilmington, Mr. Thomas Burke for the district of Hillsborough, Mr. Wil- 
liam Blount for the district of Newbern, and Mr. Day Ridley for the dis- 
trict of Edenton. 

Resolved, That the Paymasters of the militia of this Colony give bond 
with security, each in the sum of 10,000 1. for the faithful application of 
money intrusted to them. 

Resolved, That every householder in the county of Surry shall have a 
right to sit and vote in committees for said county, they being elected by 
persons having a right to vote, agreeable to a resolve of the last Congress 
at Hillsborough. 

Resolved, That Thomas Mander be discharged from his parole. 

Resolved, That Thomas Eaton, Esq. be appointed Colonel of the militia 
for tlie county of Bute, in the room of Philemon Hawkins, jun. resigned. 




^--vi 



6-2 

Jiesolvcd, That (Jroumiatcs l);ivis, Clerk, of the coinuiiticc of Sahjty tbr. 
district of Halifax, be allowed lt?l. for his services. 

L'esolved, That Menuican Hunt, Clerk of the committee of Safety for 
the district of Hillsborough, be allowed 10 1. for his services. 

Resolved, That William Buurke be discharged from- his parole to North- 
ampton, and that he be enlarged. 

Resolved, That any person, inhabitant of this Colony, who shall hereaf- 
ter take arms against America within the said Colony, or sliall give intelli- 
gence or aid to the open enemies thereof, and shall be convicted ot the facts 
by vote of Congress, or by any judicial power hereafter to be appointed, 
shall forfeit all his goods and chattels, lands and tenements, to the people 
of the said Colony, to be disposed of by the Congress, or other general re- 
presentation, thereofj and moreover be considered (when taken) as a pri- 
soner of war, unless the senter,ce shall be mitigated or pardoned by the 
Congress, or other general representation. 

Mr. Battle and Mr. Nasli have leave of absence. 

Whereas it hath been represented to this Congress that a division of the 
committee of Observation of Pasquotank county will give ease and facility 
to the dispatch of public business within their department, as a wide river 
runs through said county, near the middle thereof; Resolved, That the said 
county, for this particular purpose, be, and it is hereby divided into two 
distinct and separate districts. North and Soutli, by the niiddle of the river j 
and that a committee, to consist of 13 persons in each district, a majority 
of whom shall be a quorum, shall be elected on the third Monday in June 
next, at such places in each district as the present committee shall appoint, 
public notice of which, by advertisements, the Clerk is hereby directed to 
give 20 days at least previous thereto, at not less than two of the most pub- 
lic places in each district; antl these elections shall be conducted, and. 
these committees so to be elected, regulated and governed, by the same 
rules and restrictions now in force, made and entered into for the purpose 
of instituting county committees by the last Congress at Hillsborough, and 
also for amending the same by this present Congress. 

Resolved, That the committee of Pasquotank county, after the third 
Monday of June next, be, and is hereby dissolved; and that all matters and 
things therein pendant, at that time undetermined, shall be transferred to,, 
and determined by the committee of the district where such matter origina- 
ted, with all the papers thereunto appurtaining. 

Resolved, That the committees of both districts be at large to meet at 
any time or place where they themselves shall think pi'oper, provided that 
the time and place of the first meeting of each of those committees be fixed 
by the present committee before their dissolution. Provided also, that the 
committees of each district may meet at the court house on the days ap- 
pointed for the ftrst day of each court, to act in conjunction, and be conso-» 
iidated. 

Resolved, That Alexander iSIcCorlle be allowed 19 I. 10 e. for a waggon, 
team and driver on the late expedition to Cross Creek against the Tories; 
that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed 
in their accounts with the public. 

The comm.ittee appointed to settle the rations, and the price to be allow- 
ed the Commissaries for victualling the army, are of opinion that the Com- 
missaries furnish the troops the same rations and allowance as directed by 



4 



'■*«-*'\>».w 



tlie Continenlal Congress, or money to the value, in case any part of saia 
allowance cannot be supplied; lor which the Commissaries shall receive 
10 d. per ration, they paying all necessary carriage while their respective 
-^f gg inients remain in this Province. 

The House taking the same into consideration, concurred therewith. 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or each of them, supply each of the Com- 
missaries appointed by this Congress to the Continental troops, stationed 
in this Province, the sum of 2000 1. they lirst giving bond and security, 
each in the sun-i of 10,000 1. 

Resolved^ That the Treasurers, or either of them, supply each of the 
Commissaries appointed by this Congress to the independent companies 
stationed on the Sea coast, the sum of 250 1, for each company supplied by 
them, they first giving bond and sec rity, each in the sum of 3000 1. 

Resolved., That James Hepburn be permitted his parole to Charlotte 
town, in Mecklenburg county, with permission to go any where within two 
miles distance from the said town; and that he have safe conduct for him- 
self to go from Halifax to the said town ^vitlun two weeks from this time, 
and for his family and eifects from Cross Creek to the said town of Char- 
lotte within three months from this time. 

R-esolved, That if any person or persons shall conceive himself or them- 
selves aggrieved by any resolve, order, or determination, of the Council of 
Safety, that in that case an appeal shall and may be had to the next Con- 
gress. 

Resolved^ That the commissioners appointed to purchase horses in the 
district of Hillsborough, be, and are hereby impowered to draw upon the 
Treasurers, or either of them, tor a sum not exceeding 1300 1. and that 
each of the commissioners for the said district give bond, with good and 
Bufficient security, in the sum of 1000 1. . 

Resolved, That the commissioners appointed to purchase horses in the 
district of Salisbury, be, and they are hereby impowered to draw upon the 
Treasurers, or either of them, for a sum not exceeding 2500 1. and that 
each of the commissioners for the said district give bond, with gOod and 
sufficient security, in the sum of 1500 1. 

Resolved, That if any person or persons shall conceive himself or them- 
selves aggrieved by any resolve, order, or determination, of any county or 
town committee, that in that case an appeal shall and may be had to the 
Council of Safety, and their determination shall be final, first giving bond 
and security to prosecute such ap^^eal with effect. 

Resolved, That the Commissaries for the militia now under marching 
orders, be impowered to receive from the Commissary of Stores a sufficient 
quantity of the provisions heretofore purchased on account of the public 
to victual the said militia, and that such Commissaries be charged the 
price the same cost; and also that the Treasurers be impowered to advance 
to each of the said Commissaries the sum of 200 I. on giving bond with se- 
curity as heretofore directed. 

Resolved, Tlmt Mr. Charles Jacocks be appointed Commissary of the 
militia for the district of Edenton when on actual march. 

The Congress adjourned till to-morrow mornings eight o'clock. 



C4 . 

TvKST3AY, May 14, irrG. 

The Congress met according to adjoui innent. ' 

Jiesolved, Tluit the Quarter Master General, Nicholas Long^, Esq. be 
directed to furnish the troops now marching to the assistance of this Pro- 
vince from A'irginia, with allbarracks, waggons, provisions, and such arti- 
cles as may be necessary for tliem on their march from this place to Cape 
Fearj and that on the arrival of the troops there, Col. William Kennon act 
as Commiss<).rv to them-, in case tliey have no Commissary of their own. 

Resolved, That Col. Nicholas Long be allowed 72 1. 3 s. 7 d. for sundry 
persons standing on guard, rationsi liquors, &c. as per account; that the 
Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their 
accounts with the public. 

Resolved^ That Alexander Long be allowed 5 1. for going express to Sa- 
lisbury; that the Treasurers^ or either of them, pay the same, and bo al- 
lowed in their accounts with tlie public-. 

Resolved, That i\\t Treasurers be, and are hereby ofdered to pay to each 
of the Paymasters of the militia brigades one month's pay, to be ascertain- 
ed by producing to the Treasurer wiio shall pay the money a roll, contain- 
ing the names of all the officers and soldiers who shall begin their march on 
actual service, signed by the commanding officer of the respective batta- 
lions to which the said men and officers belong, and a list of all the wag- 
gons which shall be actually employed to attend the march^ certified by the 
Waggon Master, and countersigned by the commanding officers of the bat- 
talions respectively; which rolls so signed and certified^ together with the 
order or receipt of the Paymaster^ shall be vouchers for the Treasurer, who 
shall produce the satne upon the settlement of his account with the public* 
And whereas detachments have been ordered from each of the brigades of 
militia in this Colony by the Congress^ and it will be necessary that the 
Treasurers pay to such Paymaster a sum of money necessary for one 
month's pay of the said detachments, and of the waggons which may be re- 
quisite; Resolved, That the Treasurers pay to the said Paymasters one 
month's pay for such detachments as have been ordered from each respec- 
tive brigade, and one month's pay of waggons, at the rate of one waggon 
for every 50 men in such detachnients; provided^ that no commanding of- 
ficer or Waggon Master of any battalion shall give more than one such roll 
or certificate to any Paymaster within any one month during the same ex- 
pedition, under the penalty of 10,0001. 

Resolved, That George Davidson be aMowed 39 I. for waggon hire from 
Rowan to Cross Creek, in the expedition against'the Highlanders; that 
the Treasurers, or cither of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in 
their accounts with the public. 

Resolved, That William Knox be allowed 32 I. 5 s. for waggon hire from 
Rowan to Cross Creek, in the expedition against the Highlanders; that 
the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in 
their accounts with the public. 

Resolved, That the Commissaries of the Continental array have power 
to take such provisions as they may think necessary for the service from 
the public stores, and that they account for it at the price which the com- 
missioners charged, and that the same shall be considered as sd much mo- 
ney paid on account of the sum voted to be advanced to them. 

Resolvedy That the stray books in the hands of Joseph Hughes (the pre- 



65 
fcent stcay master) in Rowan, be in\mediately taken from him, and put i!i 
the hands of John Graham, who is hereby appointed to that office, and that 
he be allowed the same fees as allowed by acts of Assembly in that case. 

Hesolved, That Alexander McAlister be appointed stray master for the 
county of Cumberland, Nathaniel Richardson for the county of Bladen, 
and John Dent for the county of Guilford, and that they taKe possession 
of the books and papers belonging to the said offices. 

Resolved, That in case of the death, removal, resignation or disqualifica- 
tion of any member of the Council of Safety, the remaining members shall 
fill up the vacancy, by electing one from the said district. 

Resolved, That the money allowed for discharging the claims of the mi- 
litia of the county of Orange, be paid into the hands of Nathaniel Roches- 
ter, Esq. to be by him paid to the officers in whose name the same was al- 
lowed, on the said officers giving to him the pay roll by which the same 
was allowed, or a copy thereof; which pay roll shall be filed by the Secre- 
tary of this Congress. 

Resolved, That the Commissary of Stores charge 15 per cent, on all the 
stores which he shall furnish to any officer or soldier on his private ac- 
count, for the benefit of the public, to be applied towards defraying inciden- 
tal charges; and that the said Commissary furnish the Paymaster with an 
account of all such stores so furnished every month, to be deducted from 
the pay of the officer or soldier to whom the same shall have been furnish- 
ed. 

Resolved, That the ensuing Congress shall be held at the town of Hali- 
fax on the 10th day of November next, unless sooner ordered and directed 
by the Council of Safety. 

Resolved, That the Council of Safety have power to compel all Sheriffs 
and other collectors of taxes and duties to account for all sums of money 
for which they may be accountable, and to pay the balances which shall 
appear due into the hands of the Treasurers. 

Resolved, That Mr. James Coor and Mr. James Green, jun. be appoint- 
ed to revise and correct for the press the Journal of the proceedings of this 
Congress. 

Resolved, That the Secretary, as soon as the Congress rises, furnish a 
l^ir copy of the Journal, and deliver the same to Mr. James Davis, who is 
desired to print and send five copies to each county, to the delegates there- 
of, and one copy to each county and town committee. 

The committee appointed to take under consideration the petition of Jo- 
seph Jones and Co. reported as follows: Your committee having fully en- 
quired into the facts set forth in the petition, are of opinion that the same 
are just and true; but as there appears a probability that some things iT»ay 
yet be saved, your committee are of opinion that the nett loss cannot be as- 
certained until the amount of such saved articles (salvage deducted) can 
be extracted from the gross loss; and when the same can be done, and sa- 
tisfactory proof thereof made, your committee think the said Mess. Joseph 
Jones and Co. should be considered as persons injured by the said John 
Goodrich, to the amount of such nett loss. The estimate and bill of lading 
are annexed, Avhich are all submitted to the Congress. 

The House taking the same into consideration, concurred therewith. 

Resolved, That an election be held in the county of Edgecomb, first giv- 
ing the usual notice in such cases, for electing a member in said county to 

9 



66 
sit and vote in Congress, in the room of Henry Irwin, who is disqualified 
by holding a commission in the military service; that the same be conduct- 
ed under the same rules and regulations as elections heretofore taken, and 
the said election may be held any time between the 10th day of June and 
the 10th day of October, 1776. , ,t o ^ 

Resolved, That the thanks of this House be given to the Hon. Samuel 
Johnston, Esq. for his able, faithful and assiduous discharge of the high 
and important duty of President of this Congress; having in that, as in all 
other stations, approved himself the firm and liberal patron of liberty, and 
a wise and zealous friend and assertor of the rights of mankind. 

Ordered^ That the foregoing orders and resolutions be signed and certi- 
fied as the acts of the Congress, by 

SAMUEL JOHNSTON, President 
Jame?^ Greek, Ju>. Sec'ry. 



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